Re: 4x4/Transfer case - problems

From: Tom (Silver89) (SilverEightynine@aol.com)
Date: Thu Dec 14 2000 - 23:42:34 EST


I would have to side with the dealer on this one. I would not drive a part
time 4x4 in only rain. You probably did some sort of drive train damage to the
system, thus the troubles you have having in disengaging it. Part time 4x4 is
really recommended for really poor traction conditoons such as slush, snow,
mud, and loose gravel. In part time 4x4, the drive shafts and tires are all
under the same amount of power and the wheels turn at the same speed. When
used on surfaces such as dry pavement and wet pavement, th wheels scrub on the
ground. Inorder for a vheical to make a turn - the front and rear have to turn
at different speeds - thus the differential. This is why part time is only
used for serily low traction conditions.

P.S I'm not saying you don't know about part time 4x4 - I just thought I would
explain it for the heck of it... no offence was meant :-)

Also - for a complete guide to the types od 4x4 systems - check out this very
informative Cars.com web page at:
http://cars.com/carsapp/national/?srv=parser&act=display&tf=/advice/shopping/4wd_demystified/index.tmpl

Erika Ipes wrote:

> My truck is once again having its problems, which I just took to the
> dealership so now I could use some advice here.
>
> Everytime it rains, I usually use 4 wheel drive to get out into traffic. If
> I don't, I sit there and spin (naturally). But when I try to take it out of
> 4 wheel drive it won't dis-engage. I have tried putting it in neutral
> (tranny) I have come to a complete stop... but it will ride for a few miles
> still in 4 wheel drive. The transfer case wines, and when it finally does
> come out of 4 wheel drive it makes this loud bang and the whole truck jumps
> like I hit a big bump.
>
> Now the dealership is telling me that I am binding up my transfer case
> because there isn't enough slippage in both rears to dis-engage the transfer
> case. I should only use 4 wheel drive in slippery conditions and slipping on
> wet roads isn't making the truck slip enough.
>
> Now, when I first got the truck, I never had this kind of problem. It never
> banged out of 4 wheel, it never wined and it never took a long time to come
> out. I have always used 4 wheel drive in wet weather, I have to or I would
> never get to where I need to go :) But never have ever drove on dry roads
> with it. If what they said is true.... why would it take 1-3 miles to
> disengage, why doesn't putting it in neutral work and why does it slam so
> hard coming out? And why would it say in the owners manual to use 4 wheel
> drive occasionally to lubricate parts? Are the feeding me a line of shit
> once again? Could use any advice on this one. What they are telling me just
> doesn't sound right to me. Thanks for any help!
>
> Erika
> 1999 Dodge Dakota CC 3.9
>
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--
Tom
http://members.aol.com/silvereightynine
Site Updated  - on 12/7/00
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