Slight lurch/jump when turning sharp

[jchristian79]

2005 auto 4x4 v8 xlt - Quick question, I've searched and can't really find anything on this.

When set to 4x4 auto and I turn sharply to turn into or out of a parking space, garage, uturn, etc. I notice there is a slight lurching coming from the front end. It's not crazy apparent, but just enough to feel it through the steering wheel. It's on dry pavement and set to auto 4x4 so I don't believe the 4wd is engaging. I know this would be normal (and not good) if the 4wd was engaged but being disengaged is kind of weird.

I've crawled underneath and everything seems to be in order. There's no leaks from anywhere, all the boots are intact and not cracked or leaking. The steering linkage seems solid. I've also noticed it happens almost exclusively on the left front side but this may be due to most of the sharp turns I take are to the left (driveway, office parking, uturns). A few of the times, I have noticed the ground was covered with quite a bit of leaves so could the auto 4x4 be kicking in with that?

Is this normal? Could something be broken (axle, steering, etc.)? Something else going on? Should I get this checked out?

Not sure if this affects it or not but it has 20" rims with 275/45 toyo proves st2's.

Any help, ideas or related threads would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jchristian79]

Wanted to add this: Found this thread that popped up again last night but unlike the OP in this thread, my 4x4 High light has never flashed or come on. I tested the 4wd when it was wet out the other day (only went straight anyway) and the t-case seemed to engage/disengage just fine.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334791

 

[greenlantern700]

I have an 04 v6 4x4 doing the same thing. I have read throughout the internet and the problem may be the rear differential fluid/clutch plates. My rear-end clunks/downshifts hard when I slow down as well(same issue I had with my 06 tundra). I am going to change the rear differential fluid and put some limited slip additive in it and repost my results!

 

[greenlantern700]

Changed the differential fluid(which looked like sludge, thank you previous owner) still have the jumping issue. Another thread said to use a multimeter to test the solenoid that engages the 4x4, I'll repost With results of that and an xmsn /front diff fluid change.