max speed in 4 HI ?

snowed pretty bad last night.. highway still had a lot of slush so I kept the truck in 4 High.. HOwever, When I approached 51-53mph, I started to detect a low rumbling vibration with a frequency of about 2-3 rumbles per second.. as soon as slowed past below range, the vibration went away. I didn't try to go any faster than that to see if the rumble would change.. Was what I experienced normal in 4HI?

I know some will say if I could have gone at 50mph, I probably didn't need 4WD, but the road was slushy and I really wanted that extra traction.

Thanks

 

So that would have presented itself in 2WD mode as well? Or you're saying 4WD mode is especially susceptible to build up on the rim?

 

Hmm wondering if tire balance has any effect?

Does putting the vehicle in 4WD in anyway "fix" the front wheels in such a way that any imbalance would be made more obvious?

 

NO, not necessarily.

Being in 4WD has nothing to do with having an un-balanced tire. If it vibrates in 4WD, it should also vibrate in 2WD. If it doesn't vibrate in both situations, then chances are - it's not due to an unbalanced wheel/tire.

I've had my truck going up to 65mph on the highway in 4WD without any problems or vibrations. I have to ask some questions:

How often do you use 4WD?
Did this just start happening?
Do you offroad at all?

Lots of things roll through my mind about this...and it's hard to assume anything.

The only things I can tell you at this point - is check your wheels/tires to make sure you didn't lose a wheel weight. Also, crawl underneath your truck and start looking around at the axle shafts, diff, & drive shaft. Look for leaks, wear & tear, grab the driveshaft and shake it with your hands...inspect the u-joints, etc.

 

I bought the truck used about a month ago... Driving at highway speed in 2WD does not result in the said vibration. Have not driven the truck in anything so far other than typical midwest winter streets.. I think the issues existed when I purchased it.

Additionally, I do have a "rumble strip" vibration in 2WD from 20mph to 35mph. This vibration goes away immediately after I engage 4WD. The vibration is not exactly consistent.. meaning sometimes it won't occur after having driven down a bumpy highway for a while...

I have not yet checked the driveline for wiggle or any joints that need to be greased. It's on my list to grease all the zerks on this truck.

However, I do think I have an issue with the front differential as the rumble strip vibration I'm experiencing is EXTREMELY similar to the rumble strip vibration experienced by new Tundra owners..