Hi all,

I have recently had a few problems with my 4x4 system that I would like some opinions on. I have read a lot on the forums about the vacuums systems and solenoids that could be the issue. However, since my truck is still under warranty, I have brought it to the dealer twice and both times they have said that everything seems fine. Here are my issues and Im hoping that you guys can help me understand this better.

1) twice now I have gotten stuck in my driveway, both times trying to back out. There was 2-4 inches of snow both times. My issue is that I see the light turn on for 4x4, but it does not engage. I spin and spin and both times have had my buddy (has a dodge which makes it worse) tow me out of the driveway.

Could this be because I am starting on a slight incline that gets worse without letting the vacuum pressure build? Im baffled because every time I take it to the dealer they have no problem getting the system to engage.

2) when I do get the 4x4 system to engage on flat surfaces it seems to work fine. However, this past snow storm, when I had it engaged, I would feel a clunk every few 100 feet. It was a very similar clunk to that if I had the wheel turned all the way in 4x4. It does this while traveling in straight line and gets worse and more harsh the faster I go.

The dealer told me to bring it in next time it snowed so I could show them, but I am not happy with having to do that since I may not even be able to make it there.

So please, if any of you have any ideas or opinions on this, please leave a comment.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

Generally the popping noise is a cv axle that needs to be replaced, especially if you can recreate the noise in 4wd with the wheel turned. Sounds like you did quite a bit of driving in 4wd while on the road? That might have caused another issue creating the popping noise or problems engaging.. Idk, just helping you brainstorm I guess

 

Integrated Wheel Ends are shot is my guess.

 

He would hear a grinding noise if that was the case, not a pop as he described.

 

You aren't using the 4WD on good surfaces are you? Because if you are, you aren't doing it any good. In 4WD the frt and rr axles are forced to turn the same speed but tire loading and pressures differ as well as the frt wheels travel further around a curve .... so while all 4 start out with you and all 4 get there with you, all 4 did not travel the same distance nor make the same number of revolutions and these differences will place a lot of stress on a drive train running in 4WD on hard or improved surfaces. It will greatly accelerate wear of items like, but not limited to, CV joints, U-Joints, ring and pinion gears, TC Chains, IWEs .... just to name a few.

It's also possible that you have a sticking vacume check valve or two or maybe a sticky solinoid. Engine vacume releases the IWEs, if all is working. Lack of vacume engages the IWEs.

Do you ever take the truck in dep water so the IWEs get submursed? Might be a good idea to pull and clean them if so, possible moisture is freezing in them and melting in the dealer's garage?

Just guesses.