Reverse on 4x4 high

I’m new to the truck world and I’m learning how to use 4x4. I was trying to back out of the driveway using 4x4 high and felt some resistance when turning. What is this resistance? Is it normal? Did I bend or damage anything? Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW! If your driveway was dry then there is your resistance and a big no no, but I'm assuming if you were in 4hi then your driveway was icy or had snow on it.

 

Welcome Danny

 

So I can only go straight in 4WD?

 

Welcome!

 

Yep. Drive train is binding, as the front wheels are “locked” to the rear wheels via the engaged transfer case. When you turn the wheel, the turned front wheels drive wheel(s) is traveling on a much different radius than the rear drive wheel(s) and the drive train will bind up. Best explaination I’ve got at the moment.

 

In 4-Hi the front and rear axles are linked, this means that they like to turn at the same radii. Because only the front wheels can turn. This means that the front axle has a different radius than the rear when you turn the wheel. On surfaces with good traction, such as dry pavement, this will cause the tires to slip or the drive system to bind up, either way, not good. It's best only to use 4-hi (or low) on surfaces like snow, dirt, sand, etc.

 

check this video out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN6xHc7Nz-E

It does a fairly good job of explaining it.

 

So I should not be using 4x4 high for every day driving on snow in the city? Since there are turns and backing out of driveways and stuff?

 

If there is enough snow, it won't be a problem. But if there is only a bit, I'd stay in 2wd.

 

Y’all have been absolutely helpful!!! Thank you so much for your answers and help.

 

I think the key point you are missing is on dry surfaces. Shouldn’t be an issue on snow covered roads.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW Danny

 

It has nothing to do with technology. It has everything to do with traction and the fact that you had enough

 

If everything still works as it should, then probably not. Just don't do it when you have good traction