My 2004 Ram 1500 Pickup. When I put it in 4wd and drive in the 40-45 mph range I seem to get lots of vibration from the front. Below that and above seems smooth. Is this normal? I changed the front differential fluid this summer, Valvoline synthetic.
vibration when in 4wd
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Way too fast for 4wd.
If you NEED the front axle, you should be much slower. Remember that stopping is more important.
To answer your question, yes it is normal for that to happen. There is a reason for AWD systems, they can go faster but don't have low range in most apps.
Take care, Bill
If you NEED the front axle, you should be much slower. Remember that stopping is more important.
To answer your question, yes it is normal for that to happen. There is a reason for AWD systems, they can go faster but don't have low range in most apps.
Take care, Bill
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Way too fast for 4wd.
If you NEED the front axle, you should be much slower. Remember that stopping is more important.
To answer your question, yes it is normal for that to happen. There is a reason for AWD systems, they can go faster but don't have low range in most apps.
Take care, Bill
I disagree. There should be no vibration and some people use their 4WD in the rain where it can be safe to travel 55-65mph on the road. If there is enough slip, I'll even use my old CJ7 in 4WD in rainy conditions at highway speeds and there is NO vibration. Sounds like a balance problem in the driveshaft - poster needs to see if any weights fell off. of course, if he is using a part-time 4WD system on dry pavement then - yeah you will get major vibrations and will damage the drivetrain (transfer case)!
Way too fast for 4wd.
If you NEED the front axle, you should be much slower. Remember that stopping is more important.
To answer your question, yes it is normal for that to happen. There is a reason for AWD systems, they can go faster but don't have low range in most apps.
Take care, Bill
I disagree. There should be no vibration and some people use their 4WD in the rain where it can be safe to travel 55-65mph on the road. If there is enough slip, I'll even use my old CJ7 in 4WD in rainy conditions at highway speeds and there is NO vibration. Sounds like a balance problem in the driveshaft - poster needs to see if any weights fell off. of course, if he is using a part-time 4WD system on dry pavement then - yeah you will get major vibrations and will damage the drivetrain (transfer case)!
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I don't believe its normal. Not one of my current or past 4wd vehicles exhibit that behavior. (Jeep Cherokee, Ford Explorer,and F150). More noises from extra things turning, yes, but no vibrations. None of our work rigs (F150's, Superduties, Explorers, and Suburbans) exhibit that either.
I wouldn't pretend to understand everyones needs for 4wd. I'll note that there are reasons to have 4x4 engaged, even when doing 45, even if not need to do that speed or maintain it. There are snow situations where 45+ is appropriate and reasonable for the conditions, such as in extremely dry snow that falls around zero degrees that is not terribly slick (it barks when you step on it or drive on it).
It may be your choice to not have it engaged, but it does not mean that the speed is unreasonable.
I wouldn't pretend to understand everyones needs for 4wd. I'll note that there are reasons to have 4x4 engaged, even when doing 45, even if not need to do that speed or maintain it. There are snow situations where 45+ is appropriate and reasonable for the conditions, such as in extremely dry snow that falls around zero degrees that is not terribly slick (it barks when you step on it or drive on it).
It may be your choice to not have it engaged, but it does not mean that the speed is unreasonable.
Why would anybody go that fast in 4wd? If the roads are good enough for those speeds then you don't need 4wd. If somebody thinks that 4wd is going to save you at high speeds your wrong.
Back to the original question.
My Owners manual for my 02 Wrangler says not to exceed 40mph in 4wd.
Back to the original question.
My Owners manual for my 02 Wrangler says not to exceed 40mph in 4wd.
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Our expedition doesn't vibrate at 45MPH in 4-Hi on snowy roads. It says in the manual it can be engaged/disengaged at speeds up to 55MPH. It does not like turning though, it jerks when making a sharp turn when going slow. You never EVER want to use 4WD on dry roads, it will completely tear up your transfer case.
The owners manual for my '99 F150 says not to shift on the fly into or out of 4x4 at speeds above 55 mph, 45 mph when the outside temp is below freezing. That is a major difference from "don't exceed". The owners manual and 4x4 supplment only suggest not driving faster than conditions allow. I believe my '88 Cherokee is similar, though I do not have the manual here as the the Jeep is elsewhere at the moment.
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate, 4x4 or not. I won't presume to know all the road and weather conditions where you live, but it is routine here. It just happens that it may be easier to leave the 4x4 engaged for starting conditions in some scenarios, and it doesn't hurt a thing.
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate, 4x4 or not. I won't presume to know all the road and weather conditions where you live, but it is routine here. It just happens that it may be easier to leave the 4x4 engaged for starting conditions in some scenarios, and it doesn't hurt a thing.
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate
I'm in Ca and would never even consider going that fast in snow! IMO it's just not a safe speed. Plus we have enough accidents in the rain and snow from people driving too fast.
Last time we got snow I think I got up to 30mph before my Jeep tried to spin on me. No thx @ 45+.
Here's what Ca says about snow speeds.
"Restrictions Because of Snow or Ice Conditions
22363. Notwithstanding any speed limit that may be in effect upon the highway, the Department of Transportation in respect to state highways, or a local authority with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 40, 35, 30, or 25 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate and is reasonable and safe based on the prevailing snow or ice conditions upon such highway or any portion thereof. Signs may be placed and removed as snow or ice conditions vary.
Amended Ch. 545, Stats. 1974. Effective January 1, 1975."
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate
I'm in Ca and would never even consider going that fast in snow! IMO it's just not a safe speed. Plus we have enough accidents in the rain and snow from people driving too fast.
Last time we got snow I think I got up to 30mph before my Jeep tried to spin on me. No thx @ 45+.
Here's what Ca says about snow speeds.
"Restrictions Because of Snow or Ice Conditions
22363. Notwithstanding any speed limit that may be in effect upon the highway, the Department of Transportation in respect to state highways, or a local authority with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 40, 35, 30, or 25 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate and is reasonable and safe based on the prevailing snow or ice conditions upon such highway or any portion thereof. Signs may be placed and removed as snow or ice conditions vary.
Amended Ch. 545, Stats. 1974. Effective January 1, 1975."
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate
I'm in Ca and would never even consider going that fast in snow! IMO it's just not a safe speed. Plus we have enough accidents in the rain and snow from people driving too fast.
Last time we got snow I think I got up to 30mph before my Jeep tried to spin on me. No thx @ 45+.
Then stay out of Wyoming, lol.
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate
I'm in Ca and would never even consider going that fast in snow! IMO it's just not a safe speed. Plus we have enough accidents in the rain and snow from people driving too fast.
Last time we got snow I think I got up to 30mph before my Jeep tried to spin on me. No thx @ 45+.
Then stay out of Wyoming, lol.
Originally Posted By: HWEaton
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate
I'm in Ca and would never even consider going that fast in snow! IMO it's just not a safe speed. Plus we have enough accidents in the rain and snow from people driving too fast.
Last time we got snow I think I got up to 30mph before my Jeep tried to spin on me. No thx @ 45+.
Then stay out of Wyoming, lol.
Its true, people really drive like morons out there, especialy in Laramie.
Check the U-joints in the front drive shaft.
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate
I'm in Ca and would never even consider going that fast in snow! IMO it's just not a safe speed. Plus we have enough accidents in the rain and snow from people driving too fast.
Last time we got snow I think I got up to 30mph before my Jeep tried to spin on me. No thx @ 45+.
Then stay out of Wyoming, lol.
Its true, people really drive like morons out there, especialy in Laramie.
Check the U-joints in the front drive shaft.
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Why would anybody go that fast in 4wd? If the roads are good enough for those speeds then you don't need 4wd. If somebody thinks that 4wd is going to save you at high speeds your wrong.
Back to the original question.
My Owners manual for my 02 Wrangler says not to exceed 40mph in 4wd.
Re-read that..probably means in 4wd LO range not hi-range. You can go as fast as you want in 4HI.
Why would anybody go that fast in 4wd? If the roads are good enough for those speeds then you don't need 4wd. If somebody thinks that 4wd is going to save you at high speeds your wrong.
Back to the original question.
My Owners manual for my 02 Wrangler says not to exceed 40mph in 4wd.
Re-read that..probably means in 4wd LO range not hi-range. You can go as fast as you want in 4HI.
It shouldn't vibrate. The reason AWD systems can and are engaged all the time, and 4wd sytems shouldn't be when not needed is because in a traditional 4wd system, there's no differential between the front wheels and rear wheels, and it can cause binding in the transfer case, causing premature wear or failure of the transfer case, especially when turning corners.
Think of it like a true posi-traction system on rear wheel drive cars. When you go around a corner on dry pavement, you usually hear the inside tire squealing because it is trying to turn as fast as the outer tire. Add a second set of wheels to that type of action, and there's a lot of forces working against each other.
Think of it like a true posi-traction system on rear wheel drive cars. When you go around a corner on dry pavement, you usually hear the inside tire squealing because it is trying to turn as fast as the outer tire. Add a second set of wheels to that type of action, and there's a lot of forces working against each other.
Sounds to me like a U joint or the shaft might have tossed a weight and needs to be re-balanced.
I would change the u-joints. I doubt it's a balance issue. You would probably feel it in 2WD as well, as the front axle/driveshaft is always spining. Dodge 1/2 ton's (like a Jeep Wrangler) use unit bearing front hubs and IIRC, do not have any type of axle disconnect system on the passenger side axle shaft. You'll feel a toasted joint more under power.
As far as driving 45-50mph in snow - we do it all the time. Mass Pike highway speeds are typically dropped by 20mph to 40-45 during a storm. The last storm, I saw more problems because of bald tires than driving speed.
As far as driving 45-50mph in snow - we do it all the time. Mass Pike highway speeds are typically dropped by 20mph to 40-45 during a storm. The last storm, I saw more problems because of bald tires than driving speed.
Originally Posted By: HWEaton
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate
I'm in Ca and would never even consider going that fast in snow! IMO it's just not a safe speed. Plus we have enough accidents in the rain and snow from people driving too fast.
Last time we got snow I think I got up to 30mph before my Jeep tried to spin on me. No thx @ 45+.
Then stay out of Wyoming, lol.
Or Alaska. 45 MPH crawl in the heavy blowing snow on the normally 60 MPH highway in a FWD car --- my commute from a couple of days ago.
And yes, it was SAFE. Tires and situational awareness.
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
There are snow conditions when 45mph is perfectly safe and appropriate
I'm in Ca and would never even consider going that fast in snow! IMO it's just not a safe speed. Plus we have enough accidents in the rain and snow from people driving too fast.
Last time we got snow I think I got up to 30mph before my Jeep tried to spin on me. No thx @ 45+.
Then stay out of Wyoming, lol.
Or Alaska. 45 MPH crawl in the heavy blowing snow on the normally 60 MPH highway in a FWD car --- my commute from a couple of days ago.
And yes, it was SAFE. Tires and situational awareness.
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Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Why would anybody go that fast in 4wd? If the roads are good enough for those speeds then you don't need 4wd. If somebody thinks that 4wd is going to save you at high speeds your wrong.
Back to the original question.
My Owners manual for my 02 Wrangler says not to exceed 40mph in 4wd.
Re-read that..probably means in 4wd LO range not hi-range. You can go as fast as you want in 4HI.
Your wrong! 25 mph max in low range, 40 max in high per the owners manual.
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Why would anybody go that fast in 4wd? If the roads are good enough for those speeds then you don't need 4wd. If somebody thinks that 4wd is going to save you at high speeds your wrong.
Back to the original question.
My Owners manual for my 02 Wrangler says not to exceed 40mph in 4wd.
Re-read that..probably means in 4wd LO range not hi-range. You can go as fast as you want in 4HI.
Your wrong! 25 mph max in low range, 40 max in high per the owners manual.
Right. Sounds like the front drive axle/U joint.
BTW, I can see using ABS at highway speeds, but why 4 wheel drive?
BTW, I can see using ABS at highway speeds, but why 4 wheel drive?
I can change into 4wd hi at any speed in my 98 Sierra according to the manual. No limit mechanically, but 4low is another matter. I'd run out of rpm's at probably 25mph or so.
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