92yotapickup604

Ok, heres the problem when I go to put my 92 Toyota pickup in 4WD after I lock the lockers, about 5 seconds of driving my steering locks up and I cant steer. I cant turn any corners with it in 4WD. I forgot to test the 4WD when I bought it (dumb mistake) on the 20th. This is on pavement. It is an independent axle. Also it steers fine in 2WD and I can drive it all day with out a problem.

Reply with any questions or answers, thanks

Anyone????

Much appreciated.

Matt16

This is normal. Just feels weird to someone not used to part-time 4wd.

I think you mean you lock the hubs. "Lockers" are differential lockers which is something completely different (google them).

Even with open diffs (stock differentials), you can't turn well in 4wd on pavement because all 4 wheels try to travel different length arcs. The front travels a farther distance and fights against the rear wheels (trying to travel a shorter distance), this causes the tires to fights each other, and makes it difficult to turn. GIve it a little gas, to slip the tires a bit, and you'll turn alright.

BUT you shouldn't be really using 4wd on pavement, as it wears the tires out and can theoretically damage the drivetrain.

tc

Good post Matt16.

Matt16

Thank you.

I suppose another noise you will be hearing at full lock (of the steering wheel) is sreeching and grinding. That's just the steering stops. Nothing to worry about there either.

RobD

What Matt said. When you try to turn a corner with 4 wheel drive engaged, your front and back tires try to follow different paths. I've seen full size pickups trying to turn on dry pavement, their owners revving the engine, and it won't budge. Good way to break something.

Now, if you really do have a front locker that the previous owner installed (and we're not talking about getting out and twisting the rotary dial on your front hubs), then no, you won't be able to turn on dry pavement, wet pavement, mud, snow or anything else. If you have a selectable locker (like an ARB air locker), you're going to plow straight ahead on most surfaces.

If the previous owner welded the spider gears, you will also have the same effect, though it's unlikely he was that stupid.

Matt16

I think you will find this quite enlightening. I did, when I was learning about diffs.

leebee

you will want to keep this in mind, when in 4wd try NOT to go full lock steering. this can lead to breaking your cv's. youll know it when you hear it, then its too late.

good thing is, cv's can be had for a decent price, sometimes come with a warranty and they are so much fun to change!

lee

mudhoney

swell and great advice up above..i have nothin to ad except that maybe u should take the rig to an offroad type spot [in 2wd] and then when your there kick it into [4wd] and see if you dont get a different outcome on a more "offroad" surface. that way u will know these guys are right and it isnt somethin terrible as stated above..

Matt16

The tires will slip before you break something on out trucks unless there is something pre-existing. You would have to be trying hard to break something to do damage on dry pavement.

You may find that it won't go back into 2wd when you pull the lever back in after driving on pavement in 4wd. In this case, just try engine braking, and that will usually do it.