Not really a problem unless you say otherwise

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Hi everybody,
I have owned my fourtrak for about 6 months and with the snow decided to try 4 wheel drive. What a shock! I locked the hubs pressed the 4H button and set off. The steering was really heavy and when accelerating it was almost like torque steering and pulled to the left. The car was really flighty skipping from side to side. There was also a strange clicking sound from the left front. Is this normal? Also do I need to lock the hubs for 4H as I would have thought the gearbox provided the drive, so can I not just press the button and ignore the locking the hubs. And one final question which has mystified me for ages, next to the bonnet support bar is a long quite sturdy bit of metal which is squared off one end and has a hook the other, I would love to know what it is for?
Thanks in advance
Nick

Cant comment on the 4x4

Cant comment on the 4x4 issue.

The bar at the front is the jack handle, i think?

'94 Fourtrak Independent

'94 Fourtrak Independent

4x4 operation

Hi.

First of all you have a truck with Partime 4x4. There is no center diff or diff lock as in a Range Rover(Full Time 4x4) for example.

Asumming that the manual hubs are both working, if not you will not get any drive to the front hubs.

The correct operation/use of 4x4 in a Fourtrak fitted with manual hubs.
Lock the hubs, and WHEN and ONLY when you require the use of 4Wd in Hi, select with the dash switch and when you are back on a hard surface (example tarmac) switch out (deselect). 4Lo does not need selection via the dash switch. DO NOT use 4WD Hi/Lo on hard surfaces, you WILL destroy the transmision !!!!!!!!!. Use in 4x4 on hard surfaces will also cause handling/steering problems

Clicking sound from front left is possibly the Birfield Joint/CV joint in that side of axle swivel housing indicating its worn.

Lots of posts on the the subject of correct use of 4x4 on site, use the "Site Search" box on the left and enter any applicable terms

The manual hubs must be locked to engage with the front drive shafts. The manual hubs were fitted as a fuel saving idea, that is the truck did not have to push round the front axle shafts, diff and prop, when in 2WD.

Selection via the transfer stick only transfers drive to the prop/front half shafts, hence with manual hubs you have to turn the locater on the hubs .

The long bar mounted above the rad is the screw jack twister, jack should be under pass seat along with tool kit and handle.

Browse this site. American site but lots of info

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/glossary.html

http://4x4abc.com/4WD101/definition_part.html

http://4x4abc.com/4WD101/hubs.html

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/driveline-bind.html

Edward (ews) '92 Fourtrak 2.8 TDX

whoops

Hi,
and thanks for the reply, I just hope I have not done too much damage. One final question, driving round where I live most of the roads are snow covered and very slippery as they have not been gritted, but the snow is very compressed, hard but not deep, should I still be in two wheel drive for this?
Thanks
Nick

To 4x4 or not to 4x4 that is the question

Hi.

This is a situation when ones experience comes in play, I certainly would have the front hubs locked and probably use 4x4 if the truck was not biting through the snow layer on to the tarmac.

One should be driving with consideration to the conditions, just because one has a 4x4 capability it does not mean you can drive at speeds one would normaly drive at. 4x4 can lead to over confidence and a false sense of security so take care. In time you get the knowledge, experience, and I am still learning after many years.

Edward (ews)

Edward (ews) '92 Fourtrak 2.8 TDX