Turning in 4WD

[adk749]

Okay I put my truck in four wheel drive for the first time today. When I turn my steering wheel hard on either direction going forward for backward from a stop my truck comes to a sudden stop when I release the gas. It does not act that way in two wheel drive. Something is definitely off and doesn’t feel right. Any thoughts/ideas?!

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[kodiakisland]

Yeah. Don't do that. You're binding up the driveline and will soon break the CVs.

 

[Raptor911]

Were you off-road or on road? If on road, it is normal

 

[ChetC]

You don't want to make sharp turns in high traction areas, like a bare parking lot, in 4wd as it "binds up" the transfer case.

An AWD system can split torque however the computer sees fit, so there's no bind when turning an AWD system because it can send 100% of the torque to the rear or front. A 4WD system, like the Bronco, has a transfer case which forces a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear differentials. If you're operating on dry pavement or similar high traction surface, attempting to make a sharp turn while in 4wd can "bind up" the transfer case. If the surface is loose or slippery this won't happen as the Bronco can spin a tire.

 

[604Bronco]

Didn't @WuNgUn do this recently? This sounds familiar.

 

[1970AMCAMX]

Okay I put my truck in four wheel drive for the first time today. When I turn my steering wheel hard on either direction going forward for backward from a stop my truck comes to a sudden stop when I release the gas. It does not act that way in two wheel drive. Something is definitely off and doesn’t feel right. Any thoughts/ideas?!

Do yourself a favor and read the manual

 

[Swamp Yankee]

This is why I don’t buy used vehicles.

 

[NotApplicable]

Highly recommend reading about (or YouTubing if preferred) part-time 4WD systems. 4Hi and 4Lo should only be used in low-traction environments, unlike AWD or full-time 4WD systems you may have experience with.

 

[Dark Knight Squatch]

You don't want to make sharp turns in high traction areas, like a bare parking lot, in 4wd as it "binds up" the transfer case.

An AWD system can split torque however the computer sees fit, so there's no bind when turning an AWD system because it can send 100% of the torque to the rear or front. A 4WD system, like the Bronco, has a transfer case which forces a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear differentials. If you're operating on dry pavement or similar high traction surface, attempting to make a sharp turn while in 4wd can "bind up" the transfer case. If the surface is loose or slippery this won't happen as the Bronco can spin a tire.

Does this happen in 4A or just 4H and 4L?

 

[bodean]

Do yourself a favor and read the manual

Exactly!

 

[Raptor911]

4h and 4l. You can use 4a in any condition on any road surface

Does this happen in 4A or just 4H and 4L?

 

[ChetC]

Does this happen in 4A or just 4H and 4L?

The 4A operates like, and essentially is, an AWD system so just the 4H or 4L would force the 50/50 torque split. Honestly, I forgot the Bronco had an "Advanced" 4x4 available until you asked.

 

[Paul Gagnon]

If you are new to driving a vehicle with a part time transfer case (yes even the advanced transfer case with 4 auto is part time) you really need to read this little booklet that came with your Bronco.

 

[Paul Gagnon]

The 4A operates like, and essentially is, an AWD system so just the 4H or 4L would force the 50/50 torque split. Honestly, I forgot the Bronco had an "Advanced" 4x4 available until you asked.

This is just flat out wrong. It will automatically shift into 4 High. It is not an AWD system. People will get themselves into trouble if they think it is AWD. Some people on the message board already have ended up on their lid by making this incorrect assumption.

 

[Mattwings]

This is just flat out wrong. It will automatically shift into 4 High. It is not an AWD system. People will get themselves into trouble if they think it is AWD. Some people on the message board already have ended up on their lid by making this incorrect assumption.

You are incorrect. If you have the 4A case it’s differentiates front to rear with clutches. Same or similar to Raptor case.

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