Anyone elses truck a dog in 4x4?

[harleytech]

I gotta weird issue with my 96 mazda 4x4 its a 4.0 with 5 speed 3.73 gears front and rear, 31X10.5 anytime i bog it down in 4x4 it will start to spin and then dog and stall out, the only way to get it moving is burn the hell out of the clutch to get the wheels to spin wtf is up with this? once moving its fine or in 2wd this is really startin to piss me off since I just stepped up to the exploder rear axle with ls and disc

 

[Bennybooster]

Well I have the same gearing and larger tires so I just never go into 4wd drive unless im in low range

 

[kennykenny]

x2, 4 high is about useless unless you're driving in snow. Use 4 low.

 

[adsm08]

Well, assuming that you are using the 4x4 properly and you aren't on a dry, hard surface with it, in 4H you have gone from pushing 1 of those tires (in 2H before your axle swap) to pushing 3 with the engine. That is a lot of drag on the engine.

 

[Nhaz]

I dont see the 4.0 having trouble pushing 31's in 4h from a stop with 3.73 Even on a hill, with 300 pounds in the back and two guys in the cab.

I think something is binding up. I would examine the front ends rotating parts for a bad u joint. Check the transfercases fluid. If its dry. well....

 

[-Nathan-]

its all about gearing my friends. With my 4.56's and my 33's, I can romp on it and spin ALL 4 TIRES in 4 hi on gravel, dirt, mud, etc. I rarely use 4 lo unless its something rocky or Im not in a hurry, or want the extra 'power' for pulling someone out.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have pulled trailers thru mud with my 235's, 3.73's and a 2.8... I don't think something is right. You can tell it takes more effort to keep the tires cleaning in 4x4, but it still goes ok... and that is with a less than spectacular engine, I bet a decent pushrod 4.0 would have about twice the power.

I mainly lead off with 4hi, with 4low in reserve in case I bite off more than I can chew with 4hi.

 

[Defective]

Yeah, something's not right. I have never had any problems like this in 4x4 w/ 31x10.5's, manual tranny/t-case/hubs, 4.0, 3.73s (axle R6). You should only be able to feel a slight difference between the two.

What happens if you're in 4x2 and switch to 4x4 while driving down the road?

I'd start by checking for dry u-joints and the fluid in the front diff.

You don't hear any noises do you?

 

[feellnfroggy]

Ive got a 93 4.0 wiht 4x4 and ext cab, same size tires. No issues in 4hi unless Im below 1500 rpms, But even then it goes and dont stall unless Im against a bump or something. Look at things to replace. Step off the clutch at a higher rpm. If its tough enough that you have to move forward slowly such as crawling then you should be in 4 lo anyways.

 

[4x4junkie]

Does it dog out on level ground in 4HI? If not, then I agree with those saying gears.
4.10:1 would be a bit better with 31s, though it is perfectly normal for it to feel like it's dogging more in 4WD, you are trying to turn twice as many wheels than in 2WD.

 

[ufgators68]

I had a '98 regular cab 4x4 w/ the 3.0, 3.73 gears and ran 33's. Never had a problem turning them over in mud, in 4Hi. 4Lo spun them better, or course.

I never intentionally went mud riding though. Any mud I got in was when I was driving to the parking area on my hunting land.