Probably dumb 4wd question

Bill Rubenstein · 01-30-2005, 08:20 PM

The Titan is my first truck (I'm 64 and now wish I'd had an excuse to buy one years ago) and also my first 4wd vehicle. This is probably a dumb question, but...

We've had some snow here so I've experimented with engaging the 4wd. On turns I can feel what seems to be wheels binding. Clearly the outer tires must go farther than the inner ones on a turn and I've always assumed that that was taken care of by the 4wd magic. Is it really supposed to feel that way or is something wrong? I've tried the archives but didn't come up with anything.

Bill

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 01-30-2005, 08:25 PM

Perfectly normal Bill. The Titan has what's known as PART TIME 4WD meaning it should only be used on slippery surfaces (Not to be used on dry hard surfaces) as opposed to FULL TIME or ALL WHEEL which has a limited slip center differential (can be left on all the time) that allows for a difference in wheel speeds between front and rear tires. Your front and rears are locked together to you will hear or feel tire "scrubbing" on tight turns. Hope this helps.
P.S. - The Armada has the AWD/FULL TIME feature. The Titan doesn't.

Chaad32 · 01-30-2005, 08:30 PM

you are not supposed to drive with 4X4 engaged on dry pavement (or pavement that the front wheels can't slip a bit). also...from my experience from other vehicles...it is not good to make hard turns in four wheel drive also. if you are on back roads that have not been plowed free of snow then you are probably OK...but once you get to the main roads and are up to speed (35 or greater about) you should disengage the 4X4. four wheel drive really won't help you that much at those speeds anyways because momentum is helping you.

IMADOGMAN · 01-30-2005, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Rubenstein

The Titan is my first truck (I'm 64 and now wish I'd had an excuse to buy one years ago) and also my first 4wd vehicle. This is probably a dumb question, but...

We've had some snow here so I've experimented with engaging the 4wd. On turns I can feel what seems to be wheels binding. Clearly the outer tires must go farther than the inner ones on a turn and I've always assumed that that was taken care of by the 4wd magic. Is it really supposed to feel that way or is something wrong? I've tried the archives but didn't come up with anything.

Bill

Bill, as explained...this binding is normal, but it does induce a lot of strain on your drivetrain components. Try to use your 4WD mode only when on surfaces that don't provide you with excellent grip. It is best if you are on snow, ice, or loose surfaces to prevent this binding.
If you have tried the 4WD on dry pavement, and you try to make a turn, there is enough binding to make it feel like you are applying the brakes. It is a lot of force...if it can stop the vehicle.

Titanic Tiff · 01-30-2005, 08:31 PM

It sounds like you must be using the 4WD on dry pavement. That's definitely a no-no. If you've had some snow where you live, then use the 4WD on snow covered roads only. With the Titan, you can shift in and out of 4WD while moving at speeds under 50 or 60 mph. Once you get onto dry pavement, then simply switch back to 2WD.

The whole process is explained in the owner's manual.
Hope this helps...

Bill Rubenstein · 01-30-2005, 08:40 PM

Thanks, guys. I had hoped for that answer. Certainly I have no intention of using it on dry pavement but a guy's got to try it out. Also my driveway is a very steep upgrade to get to the street. It is the first thing anybody comments on when they see our house -- "what do you do when it snows?" The Titan does a dandy job of pulling up the driveway as long as there isn't ice.

Several years ago I frequently drove a friend's older model Toyota Land Cruiser with a stick. In 2wd, normal low gear it could not haul itself up the driveway. I either had to slip the clutch or put it in 4wd low. It was a real gutless wonder.

Bill

TYTAIN · 01-31-2005, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Rubenstein

Thanks, guys. I had hoped for that answer. Certainly I have no intention of using it on dry pavement but a guy's got to try it out. Also my driveway is a very steep upgrade to get to the street. It is the first thing anybody comments on when they see our house -- "what do you do when it snows?" The Titan does a dandy job of pulling up the driveway as long as there isn't ice.

Several years ago I frequently drove a friend's older model Toyota Land Cruiser with a stick. In 2wd, normal low gear it could not haul itself up the driveway. I either had to slip the clutch or put it in 4wd low. It was a real gutless wonder.

Bill

Bill just wanted to welcome you to Titantalk, good luck with the truck!

QShip · 01-31-2005, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaad32

four wheel drive really won't help you that much at those speeds anyways because momentum is helping you.

That's a really good point.

tnbowhunter · 01-31-2005, 02:03 PM

Your not going to hurt anything by occasionally driving it in 4wheel high as long as you go easy on it. In fact it probably does more good than harm.
Sounds like your driveway is a lot like mine, and I get the same remarks from everyone who sees it for the forst time. "How ya gonna get up that thing when it snows?" I always reply going up is easy it's the going down that's so hard.

Welcome to Titan Talk by the way.

SickWhip · 01-31-2005, 02:39 PM

I have been regeting not getting a 4x4 with Big Tow. I wish I could just trade it in and pay the diference. Oh well...I guess thats life. In case you where wondering 05 Red Brawn SE CC with Utility bed package.