The manual should have some info on when it's OK and not OK to use the 4WD. My
Dak is my first 4WD as well, and I thought for a while that since I can engage 4WD
at 55MPH per the book, it was a safe thing to do. The reality is, if you need
4WD, you shouldn't be doing 55MPH in the first place.
Like Dakota said, a short test won't cause a problem. Just make sure you don't
turn much. That's where things really bind up.
In reverse on a dry surface, 4WD will likely lock up, especially when turning. In
the dirt, I've had no trouble with it even in 4LO.
As for winter driving, the snow will provide enough give as long as there's enough
on the ground. On my commute to work, if I need 4WD, I'll be in and out 2-3 times
before I get to the office. 4HI in the neighborhood (unplowed or not recently
plowed), then pop back to 2WD out on the main roads.
The important thing to remember is that 4WD is not a guarantee that you will stay
on the road. Too many people think they can put it in 4WD and drive regularly.
You can't. You do gain control and traction but you are still driving on a
slippery surface. Good tires and proper driving can be just as helpful, if not
moreso. I have gotten myself into trouble a few times while in 4WD because I took
a turn too fast or didn't handle it properly. In one case, having the front
wheels driving got me out of that situation. In another, I simply lucked out and
happened upon a small spot of dry road which saved me. Use 4WD to prevent
yourself from getting into a bad situation, not to pull yourself out of one afer
you're there.
Oh, and for the snow, practice, practice, practice. Every winter after the first
significant snowfall I head to an empty mall parking lot and reacquaint myself
with how the Dak reacts in the snow. I try to get it spinning or sliding and then
bring it back. Make sure the 4WD works properly, etc.
Brian Mingle wrote:
> I was on both pavement, and dirt.
>
> Keep in mind that I have never owned a four wheel drive before, so I am
> ignorant to the do's and don'ts of four wheel use. When the mechanic tested
> my transfer case, before it went into the shop, he did it on a city street;
> Therefore, I thought it was okay to put it in four wheel high, and drive a
> little ways. I did not throw it into four wheel drive, and cruise the
> streets all night. I merely put it in four wheel high to test the transfer
> case. Will doing this cause a serious problem? My next question....If
> driving in four wheel drive on pavement is not good for the truck, why do
> people use them in the winter time? By that I mean, not every road will be
> covered in snow. Do I constantly take the truck in and out of four wheel
> drive while driving in snowy conditions?
>
> Also, Will the truck be hard to move in reverse with the wheels turned?
>
> Thanks for your help
>
> Brian
>
> At 11:17 AM 08/18/2001 -0700, you wrote:
> >Are you on Pavement or in dirt?
> >
> >-Dakota
> >
> >
> > > Last night I decided to play around in four wheel drive. I have not done
> > > this since the dealer made some repairs to it, and some weird things
> > > happened. Here's what I happened, and don't know if it is normal or not
> > > because this is my first 4x4.
> > >
> > > When driving along, I noticed a whining noise. Is that common?
> > >
> > > When I turn a corner, the back tires start chirping. Is this common?
> > >
> > > When backing up, and turning at the same time, should the truck lock up? I
> > > had to take it out of four wheel drive to get it moving again.
> > >
> > > My friend, who works for the same dealer where I bought the truck, said
> > > that these are normal things for a four wheel drive. I am able to believe
> > > that the tires will bark while turning a corner, but can't fathom the
> >truck
> > > locking up in reverse when turning.
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > > Brian S. Mingle
> > > 1998 Dakota Club Cab Sport
> > > 5.2 Liter Magnum V-8
> > > Color: Green
> > >
> > >
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