Binding issue in 4 high

[RyFips]

I have an issue that might not be normal. When I put the truck in 4 high the front suspension feels like it is binding up when I turn sharp. It has been like this since day one and doesn’t seem normal. Has anyone else felt this?

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[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

I have an issue that might not be normal. When I put the truck in 4 high the front suspension feels like it is binding up when I turn sharp. It has been like this since day one and doesn’t seem normal. Has anyone else felt this?

Hard to say w/o more information.

If you are new to 4x4, then the answer is, it is normal to bind if you are on hard surfaces where one or more wheels cannot slip. This is because part-time 4WD does not have a differential in the transfer case, and when you turn, the front wheels must turn faster than the rear ones. (AWD, or full-time 4WD vehicles do have a third differential). This means you should not engage 4H on pavement unless slippery in rain, or similar conditions, and remember to go back to 2WD as soon as the need passes.

If you are not new to 4x4, then I apologize for "talking down" about this, if you already know the above, you may be describing a real issue.

 

[STLDAVE]

I have an issue that might not be normal. When I put the truck in 4 high the front suspension feels like it is binding up when I turn sharp. It has been like this since day one and doesn’t seem normal. Has anyone else felt this?

Yes it is binding up. 4H and 4L lock the front and rear axles together so they turn the same speed. When you make a sharp turn, the front wheels and the rear wheels no longer want to turn the same speed due to the different radius of their individual paths, forcing the front tires to scrub across the pavement. This is what you are feeling. Since this isn't a full time 4 wheel drive vehicle, 4H and 4L should only be used in slick conditions like snow, mud, gravel, etc. Use 2H everywhere else. And read the owner's manual!

 

[hjdca]

If it is hard to get out of 4WD with the lever or it is hard to get the lockers to unlock, then, it is binding up a little.... Your traction is too good...

Note: If you lockers have bound up, then, put your transfer case and tranny in neutral and turn your wheels slightly back and forth while rolling slightly forward or back.... That should unlock them without a big noise.

If you 4WD lever is stuck, then, put the tranny in neutral and turn your wheels slightly back and forth while rolling slightly forward or back.... That should help you free up the lever on the transfer case..

 

[Sazabi19]

You guys are talking about front and rear wheels but it should be the inside vs outside wheels (during a turn) that need to turn at different rates rather than front and back, right? I noticed that my tires were "chirping" (what I was calling it) when I was going into 4hi and made a turn and I realized what it was. There's a reason why AWD and "new" 4WD were exciting because this was 1 of the reasons why older Jeeps were so prone to tipping. It is advised that you use your 4hi on straight lines, slower turns, and in non-road use situations.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

You guys are talking about front and rear wheels but it should be the inside vs outside wheels (during a turn) that need to turn at different rates rather than front and back, right?

It's both. It's simple geometry. Think about the path of a vehicle making a turn. It should be apparent that both front wheels have to travel a farther distance than the rear wheels. That is why AWD vehicles have a third differential in the transfer case.

 

[STLDAVE]

You guys are talking about front and rear wheels but it should be the inside vs outside wheels (during a turn) that need to turn at different rates rather than front and back, right? I noticed that my tires were "chirping" (what I was calling it) when I was going into 4hi and made a turn and I realized what it was. There's a reason why AWD and "new" 4WD were exciting because this was 1 of the reasons why older Jeeps were so prone to tipping. It is advised that you use your 4hi on straight lines, slower turns, and in non-road use situations.

Ever notice when you make a turn is snow how the rear wheels follow a path with a smaller radius that is inside the tracks made by the front wheels? Because of the smaller radius, they don't travel as far to make the same corner. With 4H or 4L selected the transfer case has the front and rear axles locked together and is forcing them to turn the same number of revolution to make that corner. Since the front is traveling farther they start binding up and want to skid.

Now you are correct that the outer wheels go farther than the inner wheels, but this is because the differential in the axle allows them to turn at a different speed. If you have a differential lock engaged, then they will bind too because of that different distance travelled.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

Ever notice when you make a turn is snow how the rear wheels follow a path with a smaller radius that is inside the tracks made by the front wheels? Because of the smaller radius, they don't travel as far to make the same corner. With 4H or 4L selected the transfer case has the front and rear axles locked together and is forcing them to turn the same number of revolution to make that corner. Since the front is traveling farther they start binding up and want to skid.

Now you are correct that the outer wheels go farther than the inner wheels, but this is because the differential in the axle allows them to turn at a different speed. Unless you have a differential lock engaged, then they will bind too because of that different distance travelled.

Great explanation, but I think you meant "if you have a differential lock engaged, then they will bind too because of that different distance traveled".

 

[STLDAVE]

Great explanation, but I think you meant "if you have a differential lock engaged, then they will bind too because of that different distance traveled".

You are correct, My typo

 

[Rocksalt]

I had some binding in 4Hi sharp turn in snow. I dont recall my JKU or TJ doing it in snow

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

I had some binding in 4Hi sharp turn in snow. I dont recall my JKU or TJ doing it in snow

Don't forget the JT longer wheelbase will amplify the effect.

 

[Sazabi19]

Ever notice when you make a turn is snow how the rear wheels follow a path with a smaller radius that is inside the tracks made by the front wheels? Because of the smaller radius, they don't travel as far to make the same corner. With 4H or 4L selected the transfer case has the front and rear axles locked together and is forcing them to turn the same number of revolution to make that corner. Since the front is traveling farther they start binding up and want to skid.

Now you are correct that the outer wheels go farther than the inner wheels, but this is because the differential in the axle allows them to turn at a different speed. If you have a differential lock engaged, then they will bind too because of that different distance travelled.

Ah, very good. Still learning stuff about my Jeep Thanks for the explanation, I thought it was inner vs outer (turning) rather than front and back. I still need to learn a bit more about our 4x4 system.

 

[RyFips]

Thanks everyone for the information. This is my first Jeep so it’s pretty different compared to AWD or trucks with IFS suspension.

 

[SwampNut]

Don't forget the JT longer wheelbase will amplify the effect.

By a hell of a lot. In the exact same trails by my house, same path, I have "snatching" in the JT where my JKUR would just turn with some slight rubbing sounds. The JT kind of grabs and releases.

This is my first Jeep so it’s pretty different compared to AWD

AWD has an additional ability to split the front and rear, which true 4WD does not.

Never turn tight in 4WD on dry pavement.

 

[Rocksalt]

By a hell of a lot. In the exact same trails by my house, same path, I have "snatching" in the JT where my JKUR would just turn with some slight rubbing sounds. The JT kind of grabs and releases.



AWD has an additional ability to split the front and rear, which true 4WD does not.

Never turn tight in 4WD on dry pavement.

I get that.. just was surprised to experience it in 8" of soft snow

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