4x4 Ford Ranger turning problem

[craigtrevino]

Hello,
I realized that my '00 ranger 4x4 won't turn when 4 wheel drive is engaged. Doesn't matter if it's 4hi or 4low, when you turn any bit in either direction it seems to lock up and any movement I can make it feels as if i have a welded diff, as there is an audible "skrrt" noise (I'm thinking it's from the front diff maybe?) I have the stock wheel and tire size, and it turns perfectly fine in 2wd. Also if 4x4 is engaged and i have the wheel turned, it will hold itself in neutral on a hill with no brakes. Anyone know what's going on? Winter is approaching and I'd like to have my 4x4 working for peace of mind, and I want to be able to participate in off road shenanigans as well, haha.

 

[scotts90ranger]

When it is locking up are you by chance on pavement? If you are that's your problem

 

[2011Supercab]

You MUST be on a slippery/loose surface to use 4x4, otherwise you'll get drivetrain bind when turning.

On dry pavement you'll break stuff.

 

[sgtsandman]

That is called drivetrain binding. Completely normal with 4X4. You need to have some give/slip in the surface you are driving on so the rotational difference from the inner and outer tires can be relieved. Depending on the type of road surface, a wet pavement may be enough but snow and ice is better. The condition is even worse in 4 low.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So… few things…

What TRS event have you been to?

Also why is your IP in Vietnam, those two things make you look like a spammer..

Yes, 4x4 is prone to binding and noise on hard surfaces.

Bad U-joints (driveshafts) and bad CV joints (front axle) can also cause binding. Ideally, jack up the front of the truck and feel for play in the joints.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Also, I’m moving this post to where it belongs.

 

[Shran]

So… few things…

What TRS event have you been to?

Also why is your IP in Vietnam, those two things make you look like a spammer..

Yes, 4x4 is prone to binding and noise on hard surfaces.

Bad U-joints (driveshafts) and bad CV joints (front axle) can also cause binding. Ideally, jack up the front of the truck and feel for play in the joints.

He came up on my radar for these exact reasons... keep an eye on it.

 

[JoshT]

So… few things…

What TRS event have you been to?

Also why is your IP in Vietnam, those two things make you look like a spammer..

Yes, 4x4 is prone to binding and noise on hard surfaces.

Bad U-joints (driveshafts) and bad CV joints (front axle) can also cause binding. Ideally, jack up the front of the truck and feel for play in the joints.

I can't see the IP being on this side of the forum, but I was thinking the same.

Also his problem description does not seem to match the truck,unless he has one of the (apparently) few 2000s with PVH hubs.

It's not a rear shaft problem or he'd see it all the time, and not just in 4wd when turning.

If he had an older model Ranger I could attribute his problem to bad joints in the front driveshaft or axles. In a 2000 with live axles those are spinning constantly whether in 2wd or 4wd.

The only logical place that could be the issue is the transfer case, but I'd expect problems any time in 4wd, not just turning. I understand the hard surfaces concerns, but these newer Rangers it does not seem to be as big of an issue. Still, not good, but a bit more forgiving.