Rear wheels lock up when i make sharp turns in H4

Right. People keep saying "locking up" but it think its just binding and then the wheel slips when the stress in the driveline overcomes the wheels traction. Doesn't the TRAC light blink when it activates?

 

...interesting.

 

Good question. The light didn't come on. When I didn't know what was going on, i just stepped on the gas more to force the vehicle to move. I did not see any lights come on as the vehicle started to move.

 

Yep, that's the conclusion I am at right now.

 

Wow, the latest Nor'easter has opened up my eyes! This thing is a beast! I got 20+ inches of snow. it is day 2 and the plow has yet to come to my block (i live in the 'burbs so this is unheard of). But we just had a baby right before the storm kicked in so i had to make it back to the hospital to see my wife and baby. I basically drove my way (going fwd/reverse hundreds of times) thru that snow until I got on to a plowed road. I beat the bejeesus out of my truck but I had to go see my wife and baby. My neighbor's truck got stuck 3 times while i got stuck just once (and just literally inches from the plowed road too) and he was trying far less than I was. and i noticed that even without the 4H, this thing has great traction on snow. Of course i am not that idiot that drives like i am on dry pavement just because I've got a truck. I still stayed in 2nd and less than 20mph most of the time but man, this truck IS AMAZING! maybe i'll move up to Alaska or something...

 

and BTW, my truck is bone-stock too. The only aftermarket is the Mobil 1 engine oil and diff fluids. even the oil filter, air filter, all the accessories I bought from Toyota. I can't imagine what this thing can do once i start putting on mods...

 

Cool. The stock 4x4 tacoma is a very capable truck. Modded is even better.
I wish I lived someplace where I could actually put my 4x4 to good use.

 

i thought h4 was like AWD but its not that explains the shaking from the front wheel when i turn
thnx

 

If the roads are covered you can just leave it in 4wd...congrats on your second child!

 

OK, I have read almost all of these letters, my 05 Tacoma squeals the rear tires going around slow turns IN 2 WHEEL drive, just as it does if I was in 4 wheel drive, it has always done this and in a parking lot everyone turns their heads and looks. I even got pulled over because the officer claimed I was spinning my tires when I pulled out. This happens all the time even is I am coasting and not giving it the gas. This is my third Tacoma and I have had a Four runner as well and a standard 4x4 I bought in the 80's, none have done this. It is like my dif is locked up, not good on my tires and everything else involved. I don;t use it is 4 wheel drive except during the winter because it sticks in 4 wheel mode and if I use low range it will not come out of low so I avoid that. The dealer tells me it is normal, which is bull shit. Has anyone had this same problem in 2 wheel drive?

 

Did you buy your Tacoma used?

 

No, It had 40 K on it when I bought it. not sure why that would matter. I did recently have a new frame and suspension installed.

 

Was just at the dealership to check the frame because the garage I went to for inspection told me to have it checked because he saw rust turned out to be surface rust told to come back in 6 months to see if it gets worst. You think they would take corrective measures now Stupid. While there asked about the lock up in 4 wheel drive when making a turn was told this happens because the front wheels are turning faster then the rear when making a sharp turn , to prevent this from happening make a wider turn where u don't turn the steering wheel turned as far. That's the answer weather we like it or not. Was told Chevy and Ford are the same don't know I drive a Toyota lol oh yea owned a rust bucket 84 Toyota and a 89 both had lock hubs never had a problem making turns , modern technology I guess it's better ????

 

Vinman, this thread was started 10 years ago. Not cool to bring back from the dead.

But to answer your question it isn't the front vs rear, but in 4X4 the transfer case locks all 4 wheels forcing them to turn at the SAME speed even though the outside wheels have MUCH more ground to cover in a turn. In 4X2 power is only going to ONE rear wheel in a turn. The other 3 are free to turn at varying speeds When locked in 4X4 the inside wheels, especially the inside front MUST spin some on the ground. If traction is poor the wheels will spin freely. If traction is good you put everything in the drivetrain in a bind. 4X4 vehicles have worked the same way for over 100 years. All of them.

Making a wider turn lessens the impact. Simply put, do not operate in 4X4 unless ground conditions are slippery enough for the wheels to spin. Even off road or light snow may have too much traction.

 

I'm a relatively new Taco driver, but I've had the same problem on snow when in 4H, backing up into a parking spot.

Thanks for the info and guidance everyone.

 

Yeah that’s binding. If your chirping your tires, you should not be in 4wd

 

This this this. I very rarely actually use 4wd and I go on logging roads and drive in the snow in Colorado all winter. These trucks are very capable with weight in the bed and an avid driver

 

I'd be wondering if someone swapped an aftermarket locker in it like a Detroit Locker. 4WD always wants to crab when on pavement at slower speeds and turning as everything binds up, but not to the point where it's eating tires. Good luck for them figuring it out!