4wd on wet paved parking lot, damage?

[joecool85]

This morning on my way into work there was ice on the roads so I had it in 4 high, traveling about 50mph most of the time. I had to stop at a store and when I went to leave I had to back up with my wheel almost full to the right and I was still in 4 high. I made it half way out of the parking spot, the truck made a clunk and stopped (I did put in the clutch, but it didn't roll like normal). I figured the 4wd was binding so I put it in 2 high and went on my way, put it in 4 high once I was back on the icy road.

Anyway, think I did any damage? Is it bad to use 4wd in a parking lot that is just wet pavement?

 

[jhammel85]

From the way you described it, it should be fine.

It's still working right?

 

[backroad101]

I was always under the assumption that a part time system was just that, a part time system, and not to be used like a full time or auto system.

I only use my 4wd when I really need it and turn it off when at speed.

.

 

[fastpakr]

It's not a good idea to use it in that environment, but it doesn't sound like you did any permanent damage.

 

[joecool85]

From the way you described it, it should be fine.

It's still working right?

It appears to be fine. I'll find out tonight, it's snowing like crazy right now. Already have 6" and the storm is maybe half way done.

 

[jhammel85]

For you're sake, I hope so! You're getting hit with what just hit us here in NJ.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Doesn't sound like you damaged anything, But I wouldn't be turning it on and off at speed, the book recommends changing from 4x4 no faster then 45mph and I always try and switch it with my clutch in and wait till it goes out or goes in.

 

[feellnfroggy]

If you have open diff and all 4 tires are the same size no prob. It sounds like the Ujoints bound up a little.

 

[joecool85]

Doesn't sound like you damaged anything, But I wouldn't be turning it on and off at speed, the book recommends changing from 4x4 no faster then 45mph and I always try and switch it with my clutch in and wait till it goes out or goes in.

My book said to engage no faster than 45mph when it is below 32F. I got to thinking and I'm pretty sure that's because they are concerned about the rear tires spinning faster than the front when you engage it (on ice etc, below 32F). I just make sure I'm not on the gas when I engage. If I'm using 4wd due to bad weather I'm normally under 45mph anyway. That said, in the summer I put it in 4wd at least once a month to keep the electric motor working well and I'll be doing 55-60mph in a straight, no throttle. Never had an issue.

If you have open diff and all 4 tires are the same size no prob. It sounds like the Ujoints bound up a little.

Tires are the same size although the fronts have very little tread and the back has 1/2 tread so there is probably a slight height difference. Also, if it was u-joints it was the ones on the driveshafts not axle shafts because this truck has CV joints there.

 

[racsan]

ill admit that when i test drove my truck, i verified the 4wd worked by putting it in 4wd and turning sharp on dry clean pavement. the binding and jumping told me it did indeed work. on wet pavement you could get a little tire slippage which would lesson any chance of damage. when im useing 4wd i often will turn it of to take a corner, then go back to 4wd after ive completed the turn. mine is a older ranger and ive changed to manual hubs, as long as theres snow on the ground, the hubs stay locked, i can go in and out of 4wd ant about any speed, i just dont hit the button if the rear tires are spinning out, as long as both axles are at the same speed it wont matter if i shift in/out of 4wd while moving. and if its snowy out i more than likely aint going over 50 mph. now 4 low is a different story, you do need to be completly stopped to go in/out of low range.

 

[ttrucks]

i don t think you did any damage you could have a axle joint starting to go bad freeze up hope this will help

 

[joecool85]

now 4 low is a different story, you do need to be completly stopped to go in/out of low range.

The manual says to be below 5mph and in neutral. I come to a complete stop for 4low out of habit since that's what I had to do in my Jeep.