ok so, when I hit 4HI and front axel engages the car shakes, wobbles, and feels like Im driving over the shoulder bumps on the freeway. At the same time it pulls very hard to the right and wants to stop as if I'm pressing the brake. Turning is nearly impossible when this is happening.

does not appear to be a 4x4 issue. no service light and it seems to go in and out of all settings without issues.

I know the front axel engages (not sure if fully tho), when on ice, i hit gas and all 4 wheels spin.
Also when driving on ice or snow the problem is not as noticable. But as soon as it hits dry pavement you can not go faster than 30mph with the front axel engaged.

When I hit the 4HI button I dont hear any thud or clunk sounds. However, when I hit 2HI button (while it's in 4HI) there is a very loud mechanical sound coming from front passanger side, the car shakes as well.

Today I noticed that if I hit 4HI while the car is not moving, the front passanger side actually dips down as if something is pulling it down. When I press 2HI, that side of the car jumps right back up.

Driving down a hill today going about 20mph, I hit 4HI and I heard a loud mechanical noise, the car came to a rolling stop as if I was pressing the brake. Put it back into 2HI and it drives fine.

do I need new U-Joints? How many are there on this truck? Is this driveshaft issue? Would a not fully engaged front axel shake the whole front end in this way and make the car pull to the right?

 

I'm having a similar issue, minus the wobbling and shaking. I was driving today on a snow covered road in 4hi and all of a sudden the truck just starts coming to a stop for no reason like I was braking and it wanted to fight me whenever I hit the gas. So I stop and shift it into 2hi and drive it home, drives fine. When I got onto my street, I shift it back into 4hi and pull up the driveway and it seems to work fine. That's twice it's done that to me this week. Not exactly sure what would cause that. Low fluid in the transfer case? If anyone has any suggestions that would be great.

And sorry man not trying to jack your thread, just thought I'd post in here since I have a similar problem.

 

anyone?

 

When jacking up the front end and engaging 4x4 with the engine running in park, can you rotate the front wheels freely? Rotate driver side and passenger side turns the opposite direction? Seems like a problem with the front end that may not be noticeable in 4x4 low. What does the front diff fluid look like? When was the last time it was changed? Do the front axle seals look like they have been leaking?

 

I cant believe I didnt think of this last night. Check your tread depth on all 4 tires. If the front tire average depth is less than the rear tire average depth (L+R average), then this will cause binding in the drive-train when 4x4 is engaged. Also, if the tires are not the same brand, model and size, chances are they are slightly different in diameter. So if you are running with a spare that has a lot more tread than normal tires, or if you put snow tires on one axle, that is probably causing the problem.

Its still a good idea to check your diff fluid.

-William

 

so just to update the thread - the problem was different size tires as some of you guys have pointed out. put on all same size tires and problem is gone.