Ok so today we got some snow here in ma nd I had a few driveways to plow. There was only a couple inches but it was enough to use my 4 wheel drive while plowing. But my question is that the truck felt like it was in 2 wheel drive. The back tires kept spinning on snow and the truck didnt really pull in the front. When i put the truck in 4 low i felt it engage but it just didnt feel right. My tires aren't great but they still have some miles left in them and i had no weight in the bed, but like i said it wasnt much snow. Any ideas how i can test the 4 wheel drive? BTW-my hubs were in the auto position.

 

Go to a parking lot or surface that has traction - stop - turn the wheel all the way in either direction - move forward - Do the front tires jerk around some if making a tight turn? If they do it indicates you are in 4 wheel drive.

 

Ok, great. Thanks man!

 

Try locking your hubs manually.

 

Ok, so i tried both suggestions. I moved the hubs to locked not auto, and i took it to a parking lot. I could definately tell when it was in 4wd. Is it normal for it to completely jump around when turning sharp in 4wd? I mean the tires were practically squeeling! It was really "torquey". Also, once i shut 4wd off it stay engaged when i start driving and then shuts off after the truck shifts. Is this normal? And is it ok to drive with the hubs locked, so i can just switch it on the fly? Sorry for all the questions! Thanks!

 

That's called binding, and its why you're not supposed to used 4x4 on dry ground. Yes, you can drive around with your hubs locked, but your mileage will suffer.

 

Correct! I only recommended it for a quick test. Like it says in the manual " Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced road, Doing so will produce excessive noise, increase, tire wear and may damage drive components. 4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces"

Regarding 05lifted50's comment "Also, once i shut 4wd off it stay engaged when i start driving and then shuts off after the truck shifts. Is this normal?"..the manual says "Disengagement of the transfer case and front hubs may be delayed due to torque bind which is caused by driving on dry hard surfaces or performing tight turns while using the 4WD system"

All is good amigo...

 

Ok great. Thanks a lot for the help guys, its much appreciated!