noise when in 4x4

[BUKWAKR]

well

we got the first big snow of the year and the first one for the new ride, when i have it in 4wd and turn the wheel it makes a horrible cluncking sound. now i know that your not supposed to turn on dry pavement in 4wd but this was in the snow, my last few trucks did it a little but not as bad as this one . maybe i'm jumping the gun but don't want any issues already. it has traction control but i don't think that would make a difference. truck is still stock height with stock tires!!

thanks guys
Darrell

[tucker]

I have noticed that my truck makes more front diff noise then some of the other 4x4's I have had. Only when turning the wheel at slow speed. The noise goes away as I unwind the wheel. I am not worried about it I just thing this truck is just a lot stronger then the other 4x4's I have driven and the noise is normal.
I hope I am right.

[Greenhorn Diesel]

Mine bangs into 4x4 as well. Sometimes it is loud, and other times you don't really notice it. I have found shifting into 4x4 a little before I think I will need it reduces or eliminates it. The Ford dealer says that this is typical of electronic 4x4. The mechanical 4x4 does not seem to have this problem from what I was told. You drive a Ford, so turn up the radio....everything will be fine

[elibenson]

Originally Posted by BUKWAKR

well

we got the first big snow of the year and the first one for the new ride, when i have it in 4wd and turn the wheel it makes a horrible cluncking sound. now i know that your not supposed to turn on dry pavement in 4wd but this was in the snow, my last few trucks did it a little but not as bad as this one . maybe i'm jumping the gun but don't want any issues already. it has traction control but i don't think that would make a difference. truck is still stock height with stock tires!!

thanks guys
Darrell

What other older trucks have you had? If they were pre-2004 (I think) then they would have the leaf spring front suspension, and they don't turn as sharp. As a result, the U-joints in the steering knuckles don't bind as hard as they do with the newer trucks with their coil spring front suspensions. You probably don't realize how hard you have your wheel cranked over, as compared to the older tuna boats you used to have.

I have the same experience with the 2008's vs my brother's 03, or my old '99. What will really freak you out is the F450 with it's wide track front end. When you crank that steering wheel over, the inside wheel (on your turn) is nearly at 90*(okay not quite). I have never tried to do that in 4x4, I am afraid that it might do something terrible to the u-joint.