dave78

I was wondering if anyone else had this problem with their truck while in 4x4.. When moving with the steering wheel turned at all, the front end feels like it is really binding up. It actually feels like a tire is rubbing on the suspension or fender (i only have stock 245's on it).. truck kind of hops like it's trying to get traction. I've never had a problem like this on a solid axle 4x4 and was wondering if this is normal on these trucks or what is causing it. Thanks if anyone can help!

ds1rider

Locked up?

ROCKHEAD

sounds normal for a 4x4 on a high traction surface.

marc03

where you on the street?

AggieJustin

Sounds normal. With all the weight on the front axle, you can't turn short in 4x4 on a hard surface where you get good traction.

lukem86

Just means your four wheel drive is working. On pavement it hops because the wheels are turning at the same speed... When your locked in on snow, or mud etc, the outside wheel is able to slip or spin faster to keep up.

I believe, i could be wrong, but dealerships use this as a test to see if the 4x4 is working or not.

staarma

The only downfall of the solid front axle but completely normal.

sawboywv1

Is this the first 4x4 you've ever had? Because you don't run 4wd when that can occur.

j-fox

Look in the glove box for a book called 'OWNERS MANUAL'.
It has the info you need to read.

Do not run 4X4 on high traction pavements.

The transfer case is locked-front to back- in 4X4. When going around corners the front takes a larger radius than the back and thus needs to turn the wheels more times.

This is called " PART-TIME 4X4".

cowboy133

ive never owned a 4x4 that didn't do that when you have traction on the steering axel. Perfectly Normal.

dave78

no.. it's not my first 4x4. It's the first one with a solid axle that i've driven in the snow though. I never really noticed it with any IFS Chevys I had though. By the way, I was talking about using the 4x4 in our PA snowstorms! No high traction here in the winter!!

dave78

By the way, thanks to the people who give info. on the forums without CRITICIZING someone for what they think is a stupid question. Someday they might have a question they need answered too..

YellowDog

Many of you are being very Cynical regarding Dave78's questions. In fact these P/U's will bind up and hop around when in 4x4 even if the surface is snow or ice. I have had a Toyota, 2-Fords, a Chevy and know this Dodge and the Dodge is the only one of the five that does this. I did some research and found out that this is specific to Dodge but normal for Dodge. Some of you need to ask yourself what the purpose of this board is. . . I can assure you that it is not to be condisending towards other members questions.

trik396

Hey Dave78... perfectly normal situation as stated earlier. Don't feel bad, everyone has questions now or then that evoke similar responses. This is a good place where we all learn alot. Don't let them get ya' down. Welcome...
Tony

bigdav160

I've owned a total of four 4WD trucks (all Chevrolet's unit my Dodge) and they ALL DID THIS. To what degree probably has to do with wheelbase and turning radius.

I think, if your truck won't bind on (part-time) 4WD then something is wrong.