4x4 question

[basic62]

Hi
I'm kinda new to this place an got my first sport trac a few months ago. i have never had a 4x4 anything so i just have a couple questions.
1 when i put the switch into 4x4 hi i hear a click on passenger side floor i understand this is normal. after that i hear grumbling
in the front end.
does the 4x4 make noise or should it be quiet? plus it feels like the truck has slowed down.
when i turn off the switch it still makes noise for a long time after. unless i shut the truck off,i this normal?

thanks in advance.

 

[99XplorerGuy73]

My 4wd after its engaged does make a slight noise in the front end but nothing that loud or obnoxious. If it isnt that loud or if it isnt grinding (ie. a much louder noise than just a small vibration) its normal. and yes my truck does seem the lose a small amount of power in 4x4 not 4x4 auto but thats just the nature of 4wd.

 

[John_Rock]

I hope you are not trying it on dry pavement. The drivetrain could bind up and you may break something.

4wd is meant for a surface that will allow the tires to slip. The thing you need to understand is that when the truck is in 4wd it is trying to make the front wheels and rear wheels turn at the same speed. Well, when you are turning the front wheels do not turn at the same rate as the rear. That's when binding of the drivetrain occurs. If you are driving in sand, dirt, mud, snow, or a slippery wet surface then the tires will slip keeping it from binding.

Generally there shouldn't be much noise. But if you were trying it on drive pavement, its possible to have some noises.

 

[basic62]

ok that explains the noise. the roads i were on were not totally covered by the snow. thanks for explaining it

 

[Project_Sparta]

man I remember my first time in Awd, same thing happend, and i freaked out. Its all good now! lol

 

[basic62]

yup scared the hell out of me too..lol

i forgot about the other question
when i turn off the switch i still feel like its it 4wd, until i shut off the truck..could this be the control box?

 

[John_Rock]

yup scared the hell out of me too..lol

i forgot about the other question
when i turn off the switch i still feel like its it 4wd, until i shut off the truck..could this be the control box?

Backup a couple feet and then pull forward. It relieves the tension in the transfer case between the front and rear drivelines allowing the transfer case to unlock.

 

[basic62]

Thanks again! Johnstone!

 

[TacosSportTrac]

I have an 04 xlt as well...when I first select 4 hi or low, I hear a click from the 4wd engaging...but I've never heard a grumble or grinding, even on dry surfaces (although I've never turned on dry pavement). Mine also disengages immediately when I select 2wd, so maybe the previous owner didnt take care of the transfer case, or the solenoid might have a loose wire.