Taking turns in 4wd

I know you aren't supposed to take tight turns while in 4wd, so what is the standard procedure for driving around city areas that require 4wd (heavy snow on roads)? Do you turn 4wd off every time you get to a intersection where you need to make a turn?

I ask because, for the most part, you can take turns a bit wide and be just fine. Some right hand 90-degree turns are a little interesting through. In 4wd, the truck just wanted to keep sliding forward and not make the turn.

What do you guys usually do? Turn it off at every turn and then turn it back on once going straight?

 

Uhhh...I just keep it in 4WD when I am in snow or for any other reason on city streets that require it. I would think it would be to much of a hassle to swap back and forth from 2WD to 4WD. I know it would be for me!! But not to sure if it's extra stress on the truck if you do take sharp turns in 4WD, never thought about it.

 

Now I don"t know how everyone else does it, but if I can I take the turn a little wider. But if in traffic I slow down a little more and go into the turn like on a motorcycle. Not cutting the wheels so sharp, and let the truck/tires do all the work.
Hard to explain but I am sure someone here will chime in on it better than me.

 

Give it a little extra gas to spin the inside tires versus having them do that chirping jumping thing.

 

If that's the case, it sounds to me like your back wheels were probably pushing you through the turn, and your front tires were sliding, so 4WD may not have even been needed.

 

As longbow said try to make wide turns. Also when on slippery ground the tires are allowed to slip, therefore not causing damage. My $.02

 

its not "bad" to take turns, believe me, there are some VERY tight turns in the mountain trails, and you ain't gettin through them in 2wd.

If you are driving on dry to wet pavement, you shouldnt be in 4x4 anyway, only if there is significant snow.

 

Yeah, I wasn't concerned with damaging anything as there is a significant amount of snow on the roads. Just thought maybe there was a certain technique people used when taking tighter turns in 4wd. I understand when to use it and when it isn't needed though. I generally do not use 4wd, even in snow, unless I think it will be safer for me to do so.

Thanks for the tips!

 

I just leave it in 4WD.

I'm careful not make tight turns, but if/when it ever happens.....I don't 'force' the issue. Sometimes It's better to 'coast' through the turn than apply the gas. Applying gas (torque) is what's hard on the CV joints while turning. In most cases, I'm able to take turns wide enough and not worry. But if I'm pulling into a parking space and the truck starts plowing/bucking (as you mentioned), I'll put it into 2WD and turn into the space that way.

You just gotta be aware of the situations at hand. If/when the truck starts bucking or plowing - don't force it. Take another approach.