1st gen 4x4 question

[eightnine]

hey everyone iv noticed recently that when i activate the 4x4 on the truck and drive with it on the front end shakes a bit and does a rumble sound. I dont know if that is normal and thought one of you pros could help me out since iv already had so many questions answered on this forum.

Another thing i had on my mind was if driving in 4x4 for long periods of time can damage the transmission. What about driving at higher speeds with it on? (50km/h+) I look forward to reading your replys

 

[eightnine]

ttt

 

[eightnine]

ttt

 

[n8buddy]

i dont think the shake and rumble is any cause for concern, as it is probably just the front drive shaft being engaged. if it does it alot, maybe try greasing the drive shaft and see if it runs any smoother.
as for driving for long periods with 4x4, this is only if it on dry surfaces that it could cause damage at any speed. in the owners manual it says to only use 4x4 in slippery conditions ie. snow, heavy rain, mud etc , but it says nothing of driving slower with it engaged.

 

[eightnine]

i dont think the shake and rumble is any cause for concern, as it is probably just the front drive shaft being engaged. if it does it alot, maybe try greasing the drive shaft and see if it runs any smoother.
as for driving for long periods with 4x4, this is only if it on dry surfaces that it could cause damage at any speed. in the owners manual it says to only use 4x4 in slippery conditions ie. snow, heavy rain, mud etc , but it says nothing of driving slower with it engaged.

ok cool thanks for the info

 

[hodgepodge79]

but it says nothing of driving slower with it engaged.

My owners manual, 1987, says do not exceed 55mph with 4wd engaged.
If I drive on the highway above 40mph in 4wd, I get an awful sound intermitently comming from the front end, "GGGRRRRRRBBBB!" I have not been able to determine if it is the front diff. or the driveshaft, or a bearing. After pulling the diff and wheel bearings apart, nothing out of the ordinary.
So, for the past three years, I just don't go over 40mph in 4wd. No problems.

As for driving in 4wd for long periods, you only increase the wear of your front diff, cv shafts, front driveshaft, transfercase gears, etc. Even though these parts aren't expected to be run as much as the rear components, they are plenty OVER-Engineered, IMO, and don't expect to replace any front components any faster that rear ones.
i.e. the average person may not ever replace front u-joints, font diff. bearings, etc., while they replace the rear counterparts every three-five years. Someone running 4wd all the time (in low-traction conditions) would be replacing/servicing these parts just as often as the rears.

 

[just66horns]

HUH?

Can I ask why you insist on 4WD?

When you hear the noise, what conditions are you driving in?
Does it make the noise in 2wd?

Does it make the noise in the dirt with 4WD engaged.

If it makes alot of noise. Don't do it.

Your truck is way too clean to need 4wd engaged. See my truck!
PPP!

 

[fourwd1]

Your noises from the front in 4WD are a cause for concern.
Could be any number of problems, from a simple lack of lube in the front DS, to bad u-joints, or CV joints, to name a few.

And down size that pic in your sig file, it's a pain in the butt to load every time, and generally way to big.

 

[eightnine]

Re: HUH?

Can I ask why you insist on 4WD?

When you hear the noise, what conditions are you driving in?
Does it make the noise in 2wd?

Does it make the noise in the dirt with 4WD engaged.

If it makes alot of noise. Don't do it.

Your truck is way too clean to need 4wd engaged. See my truck!
PPP!

The noise only occurs in 4x4 and so far its just been on paved roads (i know i shouldnt use it but i was just testing it out). The noise isnt that excessive and usually happens a lot when im slowing down in 4x4 mode. Thanks on the compliment but whats the point in having a 4x4 if i dont use it? Although it doesnt look like it the truck has taken some punishment before and is insanely reliable. Thanks for the advice!

 

[eightnine]

Your noises from the front in 4WD are a cause for concern.
Could be any number of problems, from a simple lack of lube in the front DS, to bad u-joints, or CV joints, to name a few.

And down size that pic in your sig file, it's a pain in the butt to load every time, and generally way to big.

Thanks im gona get the front suspension checked out asap. And i apologize for the large image lol. Thanks for the comment man :bigok:

 

[vinnymac]

I had the same thing happen with my '84 T4R. when driving with the hubs locked on a (gravel) road, the front end would vibrate and make the noise you discribed. I found this just after I bought the truck. Turns out that the double carden joint (the one closest to the T-case) was *very* worn out. Just shake your drive shaft to see if it is loose and replace if needed.

 

[eightnine]

I had the same thing happen with my '84 T4R. when driving with the hubs locked on a (gravel) road, the front end would vibrate and make the noise you discribed. I found this just after I bought the truck. Turns out that the double carden joint (the one closest to the T-case) was *very* worn out. Just shake your drive shaft to see if it is loose and replace if needed.

ahh great man im gona get it replaced asap

thanks!