Steering change in 4 Low??

I searched and found nothing, checked the manual too, nothing.

Been out with my '15 DCSB, OEM 885's, Dakars and TC UCA's in the snow a couple times and something really weird happens. It seems like the steering ratio changes when in 4 Low. I can turn the steering and the tires turn slower than when in 4 Hi or 2WD. I thought i was just imagining it the first time, but then Friday in the snow I felt it again. Then confirmed it with my buddy too. I had the steering wheel turned about 60 degrees off center and the front wheel where straight as an arrow. So it confirms what I was feeling. KInd of like it slows down the steering when in 4 Low.

Then when headed back home, switch back to 2WD and steering feels completely different and very direct. Why is this happening?? Thoughts?

 

When you put your truck in 4wd the transfercase locks. Meaning both axles want to turn at the same rate. When you turn, the rear axle takes a shorter path than the front. What you're feeling is binding in your transfercase. I try to avoid it.. I've never had my truck in 4lo on a solid serface, always gravel/dirt/snow, something that'll allow wheel slip. I imagine its exaggerated in 4lo because of the extra torque

 

Understoood. But that doesn't explain the difference in actual front wheel turning movement when in 4LOw. So if I am in 2WD and turn the steering wheel 60 degrees off center, the front wheel turn. BUT, when in 4LOW if I turn the wheel 60 degrees off center, there is NO movement in the front wheels. Eventually they will turn, but its like the steering ratio has changed. Much slower than when in 2WD.

 

The grip from being in 4wheel drive makes it harder to turn. It puts more stress on all your steering components, that's what you're feeling.

 

Nothing is happening, it is all between your ears. The steering does not change because you are in 4X4, hi or lo. When operating in 4X4 it is harder to turn the wheels because of the reasons above. It might be more noticeable in 4lo but nothing changes with your steering. As a rule it is best for your drive train to limit turning sharp corners at any time you are in 4X4. I only make minor direction changes. If you feel the steering binding when cornering you have too much traction and don't need to be in 4X4.

Lots of folks are used to AWD vehicles and don't understand that 4X4 should only be used on a very limited basis. Even off road. In snow I keep mine in 2wd until I need 4X4 to get up an incline or to get moving from a slick spot. Once the situation improves it is back to 4X2. You aren't helping anything keeping it in 4X4 all the time on snow covered roads and may actually create a loss of traction and a skid when cornering. Once again, these are 4X4, not AWD, there is a huge difference.

 

It's all in your head bro

 

Ya... don't do that

 

Turn your wheel from dead center all the way to the left. Count the number of revolutions the wheel does until full lock. Now to the right, same story?

Now toss it in 4low and do the same thing. I'm willing to bet 5 Canadian dollars and a mars bar its the same.