4x4 feels like diff locked

When I'm taking narrower turn with 4x4 on it seems like the front wheels don't spin separately. Especially, while maneuvering with low speed, or even when I roll -up on neutral gear. I had VW before and no such a thing was happening. Mechanics at dealerships say it's the way it supposed to be. Is it?
Merry X-mass and happy New Year!

 

If you are turning and there is good traction available, this is how it will feel. You should only use 4x4 when you need it.

 

It driveline bind, cause by the fact that the transfer case locks the front and rear together. When in 4x4, I would suggest limiting those tight turns, especially in high traction situations.

When you're making a tight turn all the wheels need to turn at different speeds, not just left and right, but front and back too.

 

mechanics are correct. Do not use 4x4 in non-slippery conditions, while turning.

 

Hence my concern.
Thank you all!

 

Normal. And not good, if it's binding up, you're turning on a surface with too much traction for 4ed

 

Never use 4X4 in tight turns....let alone on dry (high traction surfaces). You are experiencing driveline bind.

This can put extreme pressure on the front CV joints at each wheel (among other things).

If you ever feel this 'bind' again - DO NOT FORCE IT. Take it out of 4WD.

Your VW did not have the same 4WD system as the tacoma has. It probably had AWD which is a completely different engineered system.

 

Well, I know I sound like ignorant, which I am, but c'mon, I can tell difference between 4WD and AWD. My VW Caddy had 4WD with haldex clutch, and AWD was Legacy that died last year @ 380000km, used & abused in every possible way. I loved it. R.I.P

 

Don't worry, you're not "imagining" things. I grew up with 4WD and AWD and throw in a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) back when trucking was an honored profession (no offense UPS Guys, you're still the best!) and the Tacoma is the quirkiest truck yet.


When I first got my 06' Tacoma I was in mud & gravel and it gave that "warning "shudder" that it would prefer to have the 4WD be disengaged. So I disengage it and.... YOU GUESSED IT! - the backs start giving way! At that point I'm just staring at the selector - and asking it to "pick it's poison" Other trucks have not been that sensitive. I've always wondered if the weight distribution is the culprit.


Sorry about your Subaru, I have a WRX and it absolutely the best handling vehicle I have ever had in any road condition! I have a trip coming up that involves snow & ice and I would much rather take the Subaru but unfortunately, I have to take the Tacoma because of ground clearance issues in back-country.

 

@twillyspree: WRX - beautiful machine, always super glued to the road. Apparently, I am Subaru kind of guy and if they came up with p-u truck - 99,9% I 'd be trading very same second. My every vehicle was manual transmission, I like my machines do what I want. I must say, I'm disappointed with Toyota service, but that's the stories for another thread and long evening

 

Subaru cars and Toyota trucks were designed for different purposes. Each one can do things that the other one can't. If you buy an apple but you want it to taste like an orange, you will always be disappointed. But at least your Tacoma has a high resale value if you decide you would rather have a Subaru

 

There you go!! Yep - just more ground clearance and I wouldn't have a truck, I'd have that.

I always wondered about getting a Baja or Brat....

Didn't the Brat have those rear-facing seats in the bed that were illegal in some states?

 

If there was a factory Baja STi, I'd consider it as a commuter.

 

I think there is an aftermarket company that makes spacer lifts for Subarus. They look kinda cool, just not as cool as a 4x4 Tacoma.