4wd and steering

[leo_bate]

Hey! I understand that the 4wd is supposed to be engaged with the wheels facing forward. I was wondering what the consequences are for engaging with the wheels turned, say right. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

[dlb]

welcome to the forum, leo bate.

there should not be any consequence to engaging 4wd while turning unless you really force it to get it in. if that was the case, i'm not even sure what would happen. probably not much.

my rule of thumb is if it doesn't go in or out gently, don't force it. also, remember to only use 4wd on surfaces with give, like mud, snow, gravel, sand, etc.

[Petros]

welcome to the forum Leo,

when you are turning the wheels are all traveling at different speeds, so the front and rear diffs are rotating at different speeds, and the spline shaft in the transfer-case will not want to engage because the front drive train and the rear are rotating at different speeds. with it traveling straight, the front and rear shafts are traveling at the same speed, and the spline shaft will slip right in without forcing it. Unless of course you have different size tires on it (which is why it is not a good idea to have different size, or even different brand, of tires on this car).

[leo_bate]

Thanks guys. I did get it in no problem in a right turn. It might have been stopped though. Wheeled it a little too hard, I think. The steering now faces ~20 degrees left now. Thought it might have something to do with it. Still drives more or less straight though.

[dlb]

if your steering is off after off-roading, i would check the toe, camber, and both the control arm and control arm-to-sway bar bushings. if you went really REALLY hard it's possible you bent something but i think you would on impact if there was a possibility of that.