I have a 1993 Toyota 4x4 dlx pickup 22re. The problem comes when I lock in the manual hubs and put it in 4wd, start driving and then make a fairly standard turn either right or left. At that time the the front end starts to act like the brakes are coming on and it will basically stop. When I straighten out the wheels then it will drive normally (for being in 4 wheel drive. If I have the wheels turned from a stop in 4wd it's like a parking brake is engaged. Yes, I know it isn't. I just replaced both half-shafts and it still acts like it is trying to brake. Could it possibly be in the front differential housing or...has anyone experienced this and has some suggestions?

 

This is normal, and it's basically a case of "if it hurts when you do that, then don't do that!" To be a little more helpful, here's what's going on.

When you make a turn, the front wheels have to travel further than the rear wheels, meaning they want to go faster than the rears. That's just how 4-wheeled vehicles with front steering work. However, your 1993 Toyota does not have a center differential, so when you are locked into 4wd, the front wheels can't go faster than the rears - they're locked together through the transfer case. So, one or the other set of wheels has to slip. If you're on a high traction surface, the wheels will resist slipping, and basically can't turn until they do, so it feels like you have the brakes on.

It's not considered good practice to drive a part-time 4wd (no center diff) with 4wd engaged on a high traction surface. It puts a lot of unnecessary strain on the drive train. On snow/ice/gravel, the wheels slip easily so you don't notice this issue much.

So, skip using 4wd on pavement other than going in a straight line, and even then don't do it for very far.

 

Thank you RJR, I'm laughing and crying but I understand. I always had Chevy 4x4's and expected it to act like that. Part time means PART TIME. Hope my truck likes it's new half shafts.