Being new to the world of 4 x 4 I need some info!!!<br> On our new truck when you engage 4x4 hi or low and turn<br>The wheels all the way to the right or left the truck becomes hard to move. Until you reach the lock position the truck creeps along at idle once you get the wheels cranked over the truck stops and needs a about a quarter throttle to get in moving again and then it is jerky. Is this normal or do I need to have the system checked.<br>

 

That is pretty much normal for an anti slip differential 4x4. it won't be so noticeable on snow and ice except in real sharp turns. If it is you do have a problem.

 

SFtopSGT<br><br> ;D Thanks for the reply I was starting to get worried about it.<br>Yes we do have the limited slip diff. We have not had a chance to use the 4x4 on anything other then wet roads and our gravel driveway....<br><br> Anything else you guys think I should know about 4x4 please <br>feel free to let my know as I know nothing and I mean nothing about 4x4. Diesels and turbos we have owned but this is the first 4x4 ???

 

The front axle u-joints will bind on hard turns. Take it easy when turning real sharp. It's normal for any 4x4, for the u-joints to bind at extreme angles. Just go easy.

Seems like you should have recieved a pamplet on using 4x4 and/or owners manual, to cover manufacturer liability and warranty.

 

Redleg made a real good point there, Just remember 4x4 just means you have better traction, it doesn't nean you won't get stuck or slide on ice. A lot of people make that assumption and get in trouble real quick.<br><br> You still need to be careful and that means slow on bad roads.<br> Enjoy!

 

Yup, that's why you see all the SUV's belly-up. They have systems that allow higher speed on pavement. But 4wd only helps you steer when you are going slow and accellerate into a turn,Once you are slowing or braking, the 4wd is worthless.

 

Never drive your truck in 4 high or 4 low on dry pavement. The rear axel does not turn in as big a circle as the front axel. The transfer case does not contain any differential to allow for the diffrence in drive shaft speeds. the powertrain will &quot;wind up&quot; untill something gives, usually it is a tire slipping on the ground causing &quot;wheel hop&quot; sometimes described as a bucking of the truck. If your tires can't slip or hop... something else far more expensive will give. There are probably differing opinions out there as to exactly whether you can or can't but this is my opinion... You will also find that it is difficult to disengage 4H sometimes and 4L most times for the reasons described above ( depends on the surface and turning that you are doing.) Enjoy your new truck and happy wheeling!

 

Trust me when these 7,500lb trucks start to slide they don't like to stop either. :<br><br>You will be amazed at what they will do in 4x4, They don't call them a Ram for nothing. Should have called them Mountain Goats. ;D<br><br>DB

 

What all these guys said. Hey we're getting snow up in the passes. You aught to take your 4x4 up and try it out. <br><br>~Dave

 

<br>How about a reference book?<br><br>&quot;Shifting into 4WD&quot; by Harry Lewellyn. <br><br>Definitely worth reading. Lots of pictures, lots of don't do this and why not, lots of small tips that will save big on future repairs. He covers basic information and gets into advanced stuff. It says for SUV, but ignore that. <br> <br>Jean

 

There should have been a little leaflet attached to you cigarette lighter when you picked up your truck that talked about using the 4-wheel drive system. ???

 

Here's my .02<br> Mostly has to do with tire pressure and weight in the back. I'm used to an old ford Bronco, wheelbase a little over 100&quot;. when I got my LB 4x4 I dug some deep holes in loose gravel on a hill in the mtns. I found out the diesel motor is very heavy and with nothing in the bed I experenced a lot of 'hop'.<br> Recently in the desert I aired down to 35# rear, 40# front and had a 40gal water tank in the bed. The truck preformed wondurful, I only needed 4x4 in the deep sand. I'm running agressive m/t 285's. I can't comment on snow, Hav'nt seen any yet.

 

Thanks for all the great input.<br> Jean will look into the book thanks for the reference ;D<br> Dave wish we had some snow up this way but so far nothing <br> Luke no nothing in the truck other then the warranties, maintenace book and owners manual ???<br> I had to go to the service department to get the code for<br>the for the keys myself <br> Redleg thanks for the info on why it happens <br>Not to worry I have made my living driving transit buses<br>and other big vehicles. I KNOW just because you can move forward does not mean you can stop. <br><br> Love This Truck ;D ;D ;D ;D

 

Here's where the tag should have been. I always give the customer the original bag that the key's came in because it has the key code right on it, and they think it's neat to have the original bag.