Running in 4x4

[stopracing]

I have a 87 ranger we got our first snow in Iowa over the weekend. I drive my ranger 80 miles a day to and from work. This was the first time running down the hwy around 40-45 with the 4 wheel locked in. Some times you will be driving along and it will just take off across the hwy steering is real hard to keep straight. I checked the radius bushing and the pivot bushing they look a little worn will this cause the steering issue?

 

[pimtool]

Front axle U joints are probably dry and binding.

 

[Sunk]

Yeah, could be front joints not turning freely. That said, I think if you are on the highway going 40-45 you don't really need the 4x4, especially since you said you have enough traction for the truck want to drive all over the place.

 

[MAKG]

And if you use part time 4x4 when you don't need it, you're going to bind the driveline. That will force one wheel to slip (or something to break), and you can very easily screw up the steering that way.

If you need 4WD, keep it below 30 MPH. If you don't need 4WD, DON'T use it.

 

[Jspafford]

I don't get it. There is no maximum speed limit in 4WD, yes there is a SAFE speed limit, but that is different for everyone. 4WD will not bind up going over a certain speed. Last winter I drove the wife's ranger in 22" of snow for 20 miles in 4WD at around 50mph.

 

[MAKG]

That's not what I mean.

The 4WD will work at higher speeds. But if you aren't fouling your underwear at that kind of speed, traction is good and you don't need it.

 

[Jspafford]

That's not what I mean.

The 4WD will work at higher speeds. But if you aren't fouling your underwear at that kind of speed, traction is good and you don't need it.

My take on 4WD is don't wait until your stuck or wildly out of control to use it. If there is a couple inches (or 22") of snow on the ground then the roads are slippery. I bought 4WD trucks to use, I put maybe 500 miles a year on them in 4WD, I am going to use it, even if I am not sliding from lane to lane.

I don't think I could have maintained that speed in 2WD with a P/U an no weight. With 4WD, I didn't slide once.

 

[stopracing]

If it was the u joints wouldn't it steer bad all the time? When the lock outs are in it is not as bad but when in 4 high it is much worse.

 

[Sunk]

If it is the u-joints, it won't be affected when the hubs are unlocked.

 

[Ozwynn]

I don't get it. There is no maximum speed limit in 4WD, yes there is a SAFE speed limit, but that is different for everyone. 4WD will not bind up going over a certain speed. Last winter I drove the wife's ranger in 22" of snow for 20 miles in 4WD at around 50mph.

that depends on the 4WD. My LandCruiser's owner's manual says not to operate the vehicle in 4wd faster than 45 mph. And I can tell ya even with just the hubs locked in it starts acting up when I get to 50 mph.


my Dad's former F-150 said not to operate in 4wd faster that 50 mph. An expedition the same year can operate at any speed in 4wd.