[NuttDodge]

Just recently moved to North Idaho, purchased a dodge ram rig to handle my getting to work during the snowy months, however, while in 4x4 mode low or high, the truck acts skittish when turning or backing, the truck lunges at times. Not sure if this is a track sensing issues or something else common to dodges.

Any knowledge would be a great help....

Thank You Walter

 

[APSTRAM]

Are you having these problems when there is snow on the ground or on wet pavement? The use of 4X4 even on wet roads is not optimal, unlike auto 4wd, with 4X4 the front tires will not slip enough to make turns with traction and it will make the truck buck like a bronco when turning.

 

[NuttDodge]

The BUCK LIKE A BRONCO is the perfect term. I haven't had the problem on wet pavement, just snow. However, in parking lots that are somewhat cleared out it happens when I turn into a parking space. The worst is when backing into my drive at home or at work, both still have snow on them. Lots of the bucking bronco action.

 

[APSTRAM]

If you have a really good set of tires the problem is magnified due to the great traction. I would recomend switching back out of 4X4 when turning on the somewhat cleared areas.

 

[gearologist]

Just wondering if ALL 4 tires are the same circumference, or the same brand. If not your driveline might be binding mostly on dry surface but not in snow. Very important to rotate tires, keep same air pressure, and same size and brand front and back.

 

[NuttDodge]

Will do APSTRAM, and thank you for the advice.

 

[Toms Blue Ram 1500]

I agree , make sure the tires are of the same size . I would hope that both front and rear rears have the same gear ratios . It might not be a bad idea to check the transfer case oil level also .

 

[ShawnC13]

I have had the same issue and basically more in the parking lot and it was just with the 4 wheel drive those front tires don't turn or slide nicely and just grip and stop you. Switch out of 4 wheel no problem. I don't think it is a serious issue just part of the front wheel not slipping or turning easily

 

[NuttDodge]

I'll check the transfer case level and I know the tires are the same size, however I can't say anything intelligently about the front or rear gear ratios.

 

[Toms Blue Ram 1500]

Does it do this when going in a straight line ? If not I would say it's the nature of the beast .

 

[NuttDodge]

No problems going forward, so we can chalk this up as you said Nature of the Beast. I just wanted to make sure that there wasn't something wrong with the truck or that I might be doing something wrong, or a tracking sensing problem.

 

[Toms Blue Ram 1500]

No , pretty much any 4x4 vehicle will do the same thing . I believe you have nothing to worry about .

 

[NuttDodge]

Driving straight is fine... Probably like you said: Nature of the Beast. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing something wrong or something wasn't wrong with my truck. I will just have to turn off 4x4 as needed. Thank you.

 

[Toms Blue Ram 1500]

No problem .............