truck jolted after being parked in 4wd

its been snowing a bit and I drove to the super market. the truck was in 4wd and drove fine on the way down. Then I parked the truck, accidentally keeping it set to 4wd, and then when I started up again and pulled out of the spot, my truck started to jolt a lot. Is there a reason why this might have happened, and is this a big issue or should it stop/be okay. sorry if this has been asked or if theres an obvious answer, I'm new to owning a vehicle and don't really know any of the mechanics.

 

Shouldn't have a problem, normal for 4WD

 

Were you turning pretty sharp when it jolted? It’s normal for the 4wd to bind a bit when turning hard and it feels a bit ‘jolty”. Does it go away when you drive straight?

 

Describe the jolt. Jolting like the steering was hopping when turning out of the parking spot? Or a big single lurch as if the wheel siezed up?

 

yeah, I was pulling out of the spot and then when I pulled into my driveway it also happened. But I've been driving it for months and this is the first time I've felt it. I haven't driven in snow before, but I would have though it would have been a bit more capable cuz it's only snown an inch or two. I have a maintenance checkup soon so I can see whats up then but its weird that it just started today.

 

I guess it was more like the hopping you described

 

Perfectly normal in 4HI when turning the wheels somewhat sharp.

 

That’s just how 4wd is.

 

Read your manual. In 4wd, your wheels need to all turn at roughly the same speed because they’re all connected through the drivetrain. When you turn, wheels need to turn at different speeds. If you are on a dry surface that doesn’t allow the wheels to slip, they will bind when you turn because there’s no where else for it to slip except to hop on the road.

if you are driving in dry conditions and the 4wd is binding up, it’s time to turn off 4wd. This is not a system you should use always, only when needed for the conditions.

your truck is fine, but you should avoid letting it bind as it’s extra wear on parts.

 

You really dont need 4WD for an inch or two of snow.

But if you do, just make sure that you go back into 2WD as soon as the conditions start to clear up.

 

It's very possible this is the first time you turned sharp enough or being it was only a little snow, tires could have been grabbing causing a bind. Different types of snow have wildly different effects on how tires grip. I wouldn't worry about it. If this is your first "true" 4wd vehicle (not automatic system or all wheel drive) how it acts will screw with you a bit.

 

Sorry I'm not used to the formatting of this website and don't know how to reply to all of you directly in one reply. I just saw an old thread here from a while back asking about the same thing. You guys are right, it seems like thats just what happens when you turn sharply with 4wd with conditions that don't really call for the use of it. I feel better. I just wanted to make sure nothing was seriously wrong with the truck. Thanks for the help!

 

word. It’s not a big deal if it binds up here and there but if it’s happening a lot you just need to rock 2wd for the time being. Same shit happens on dirt but the dirt let’s the wheels spin

 

Yeah, this.