Question about 4wd

The last time I had a 4x4 truck was in the early 90’s (Mitsubishi SPX) so I’m still learning to use it.
I noticed today that while making a sharp left it felt like the rear left wheel was almost dragging.
Is this normal or did I imagine it?

 

Ummm please tell me you aren't taking sharp turns on pavement??

 

I think we need a description. Were you in 4WD? What surface were you on?

 

If you were making sharp turn in 4wd on pavement, don't do that. These trucks use a part time 4wd system (unlike AWD or Full Time 4wd), so the front and rear wheels turn at a different rate when you make turns with 4wd engaged. If you do this on pavement, it binds the drivetrain up. This can chirp the tires and best or damage your drivetrain at worst.

Only use your 4wd when you're off pavement or on ice/snow. You can use it on pavement if you keep the truck going straight, but avoid sharp turns.

 

OP: Assuming you are driving a Tacoma 4x4. It is a real 4x4 not an AWD. Don’t engage the 4x4 drive on pavement until you become more acquainted with the vehicle. You can break drive train components.

 

My mistake in not saying that I was on gravel.
But it’s pretty packed gravel.

 

When you're in 4wd, and you need to turn, you need to be on a surface that allows the wheels to slip a bit. Since there is no differential in the transfer case, the front and the rear driveshaft are locked together, so the front and rear axle end up fighting each other. Lettiing the tires slip allows for that.

 

Do you have the TRD OR with the rear locker engaged when this happend?

Gravel, even packed gravel, should be fine to use 4wd on. I've been in 4wd on packed dirt and rock trails plenty of times and never had an issue. Pavement/asphalt is the enemy because it has so much grippy traction when it's dry.

 

Thanks. I see where I made my mistake.

 

If traction is good dont use 4X4. Even off road on hard packed dirt or gravel. When you go around a corner all 4 wheels take a different path and need to turn at different speeds. In 2wd this is easy, but in 4X4 everything is locked together and all 4 wheels are being forced to turn at the same speed. The wheels with the least distance to travel must be able to freely slip on the ground or you'll damage something.

Lots of AWD vehicles out there that will send power to all 4 wheels, but allow them to turn at different speeds. AWD is a more complex expensive system that works great on wet pavement or light snow. But is not as good in really harsh off road conditions where 4X4 shines.

 

Even off road on gravel, on sharp turns go into 2WD just to be cautious.

 

Thanks to all for the info. I think I was thinking of how AWD works since I’ve have had several AWD vehicles over the years and only one actual 4x4.

 

Yeah its an easy mistake to make. Pros and cons to both.

I've spent a lot of time on dryish dirt roads and had no issues, but I also wasn't turning very tight. I think peoples concerns about it are mostly overblown, but its definitely worth being aware of.