4 wheel drive binding???

[drawnon]

So I notice something the last couple of snow storms. I tried looking up an old post, but didn't find much. In each of our last snow storms, I have it in 4 hi, and when pulling into, or out of the local store parking space, it feels like something is sticking or binding or something. I know that the turning radius is bigger in 4x4, but I never felt anything like it. like, if I put my 03 in drive, in 2wd, and let it go, no brake no gas, it will idle forward no problem, but the resistance I feel in 4 high, just while pulling into or away from a parking space, with the wheels turned, feels like it wouldn't let it idle away if I let off the brake and gave it no gas. Jeez its early and Im rambling. great. Anyway... I hope everything is normal. I cant afford a big repair now. I'm pretty sure I still have some warranty on it.
Any thoughts?
Thanks guys and gals

 

[rockymountain]

Its all perfectly normal. Although when you get into the parking lots, put it back into 2wd. It will save you a LOT of grief. If you are feeling the bind, you are putting too much stress on the 4x4 components in particular the transfer case. So, if you can't afford a big repair like most of us, throw down the lever when you get into the parking lot. You will be surprised what these will do just in 2wd. I never see any reason to have it in 4x4 when I park at a store lot or anywhere else.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Normal if there's not enough slippage...

 

[JeepJeepster]

Normal. Never use 4hi on asphalt that is not covered in snow. Doing so will give you the binding that you are getting and causes a lot of wear and tear on the drivetrain. It can also break stuff if you continue to do so.

 

[drawnon]

Thanks a lot guys. I keep it in 2 alot but the jeep has a lot of torque i guess youd call it and even just a little goose of the gas make the rears spin in the snow.
anyway. great to know, and again thank you ten thousand times.

James

 

[KJ zGal]

Just to see if I'm right, isn't the reason it binds like that because the wheels are trying to turn at two different speeds to make the turn but can't? Hence why it needs something beneath the tires to slip?

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

Thanks a lot guys. I keep it in 2 alot but the jeep has a lot of torque i guess youd call it and even just a little goose of the gas make the rears spin in the snow.
anyway. great to know, and again thank you ten thousand times.

James

James, you really need to look into getting some better tires if you have problems in anything but the most gnarly snow in 2wd.

Just to see if I'm right, isn't the reason it binds like that because the wheels are trying to turn at two different speeds to make the turn but can't? Hence why it needs something beneath the tires to slip?

ON THE NOSE, young lady.