Turning in 4x4

I'm sure it's a common thing, but when I'm 4x4 my turning radius is greatly reduced and the truck will get jerky when making a sharp turn (like trying to park), I just want to make sure that I'm not the only one who experiences this.
If this is common when you all are running narrow trails with tight turns do you still leave it in 4x4 or do you just make more 3 point turns? Curious what people have to say.

 

Do you have the rear diff on? That will make a big difference because both tires are rotating at the same rate. Best to use that for straight ahead or straight back situations...

Also, making 3-point turns on narrow trails really sucks. More like 10 point turns, amiright?

 

I'll have to check if it's on, I don't believe so, I usually simply just turn the switch to hi-4, but I'm pretty new at all of this, and don't want to break anything being stupid.

 

That's normal for a 4WD vehicle. The front and rear axles can't spin at different speeds, so when you turn you'll create binding.

Don't do this on pavement or any other surface where you'll have good traction. It puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the drivetrain. On dirt/sand/snow you can usually get away with it because the wheels will typically slip before you break anything. But even then, I usually put it back in 2WD before making a sharp turn.

This explains it:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/def_turnpart.html

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/axle-wind-up.html

 

Thanks, that what I usually do is just put in back in 2 as soon as I hit my driveway, parking lot etc. I just wanted to make sure I shouldn't be concerned.

 

You definitely don't have the rear diff lock on then because you can only use it in 4-lo and you have to push a button to engage it.

Just don't try to crank the wheel all the way unless you're going really slow and you'll be fine. This is typical behavior for a vehicle in 4x4.

You may want to crack open the manual and read the parts about how to use the options your vehicle has.

 

Most of the tougher trails around here, I just leave my truck in 4lo and locked (rear) the whole time. Never had any issues with binding on turns, but I make a point to take them as easy as possible. The back end will definitely skip a little on you with the diff locked if you aren't careful, but I find it's easier to leave it on than have to rely on it engaging right away when you suddenly need it.

 

And yeah, just to echo what others have said (I swear TW needs to sell t-shirts with this on it).....No 4x4 on pavement

 

I do use mine on pavement but only occasionally, it has to be snowy and icy, or raining like there's a tornado next to me.

 

You aren't breaking anything as long as you go slow, and take it out of 4HI for really tight turns, even on dirt or snow, but NEVER take tight turns in 4WD on pavement. That's when you have the best chance of breaking something in the driveline.

 

yeah those are all fine, I meant 4x4 on dry pavement. Even then, as long as you're going straight you're fine, but it's too risky IMO. When I was looking at my '04 I engaged the 4x4 in a parking lot and drove it in a straight line for 30 feet or so just to make sure it worked, but I don't see any need to do so aside from that.

 

I've always believed that 4WD on pavement is good for snow, but NOT ice, as it will tend to make the truck want to go dead straight, and not turn, no matter what you do with the steering wheel. The same for really hard rain. 4WD means bupkis if you break traction. But, that's just me...

 

Only thing that is helpful in ice is chains and 4x4... I use my 4x4 in muddy and snowy roads...I have to make a 5point turn in 4x4 to turn around in my parking area but I dont force it.

 

4WD means 4 wheel drifting in adverse conditions not bupkis.