Slipping/Jerking in 4WD

Hey guys! This is the first time I’ve *properly* tested out my 4WD. Im doing a long ski roadtrip and am a bit concerned as 4H (haven’t tested 4L) tends to jerk/slip when driving. This has mostly been happening in snow (sometimes a bit slushy), when I am turning but even when straightening out after a turn. It feels very out of control. Wondering if you have any advice??

 

Don't use 4X4 unless conditions are really bad. If you have enough traction to keep moving in snow use 4X2. Only switch to 4X4 as needed to get up inclines or to get started from a stop. If the snow is really deep then you can stay in 4X4, but even then you should avoid sharp cornering.

Your truck is 4X4, not All Wheel Drive. AWD vehicles will send power to all 4 wheels, yet allow them to turn at different speeds. 4X4 systems in our trucks are using 100 year old technology. 4X4 is still the best system for harsh off road conditions and is suitable on snow covered roads. AWD is the better system for snow covered or wet pavement. It doesn't do as well in harsher conditions.

In 4X4, power is sent to each axle equally. When you corner each of the 4 wheels needs to turn at a different speed. When in 4X4 they are being forced to turn at the same speed. That means the wheels on the inside (which have the least distance to travel) will need to spin slightly on the road surface. If traction is really poor you never notice this. But if they can get any traction it binds up the drivetrain causing the truck to buck and jump.

It isn't good for your truck. If it happens occasionally for a short distance I wouldn't worry about it. But the damage is cumulative. If this happens on a regular basis you will wear out and break stuff eventually. Replacing the transfer case isn't cheap.

 

You are experiencing binding in the driveline, completely normal with all true 4x4 systems. AWD has a differential in the center to negate that effect.