Buying a 4WD - how can I tell if the 4WD works?

[EdJones]

Originally Posted by trlhiker

Yep, you should be able to feel the additional pull. Or you could drive slowely on dry pavement and turn the wheels. you will hear bad loud noises coming from the drive train. Don't do this very much because it could damage the drivetrain.

I disagree. Binding could blow a CV axle (if the vehicle has indenpendent front suspension), and if pushed hard could blow a U-Joint as well. Then you would have to pay for the repair of a vehicle you don't even own

This is what you should do:

Option #1

• Put the vehicle in 4LO, and allow it to move forward in a STRAIGHT LINE
• Have somebody look under the vehicle to see if both driveshafts and axles move freely WITHOUT YOU PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL.
• Do the same in reverse.
• If the vehicle moves freely, more likely the 4WD is just fine.

Option #2

• Bring 4 jack stands and a hydraulic floor jack with you.
• Jack up the vehicle from the 4 corners of the frame and let it seat on the jack stands.
• Start the engine and engage the 4WD.
• If the tires front/rear start spinning at the same time, then you're good to go.

[Franklyn]

Originally Posted by EdJones

[/list][[*]Start the engine and engage the 4WD.[*]If the tires front/rear start spinning at the same time, then you're good to go.[/list]

Why not just take it to a gas station with an old fashioned frame lift, lift the vehicle till the wheels clear the floor, and do the last two items above? Might cost a couple of bucks but it shouldn't cause any harm.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I remember one time my husband accidently hit the switch that throws my Expedition into 4x4 and I didn't see it. It felt DRAMATICALLY different in how it drove. I couldn't figure it out, I stopped the car and looked around at all sides, then got back in and stared at the dash until I noticed the light that said the 4 wheel drive was engaged.

[okie333]

first off what year make and model is this truck and heres a tip :

if the truck has 2 driveshafts it is a 4x4 if it only has one it is a 4x2.

locking hubs are a sign
two stickshifts on the floor usually mean its a 4x4 and if you can shift them into gear while the tranny is in neutral your good to go, it works

see most of my responses work for the old school 4x4s

[Deez Nuttz]

Originally Posted by okie333

first off what year make and model is this truck and heres a tip :

if the truck has 2 driveshafts it is a 4x4 if it only has one it is a 4x2.

locking hubs are a sign
two stickshifts on the floor usually mean its a 4x4 and if you can shift them into gear while the tranny is in neutral your good to go, it works

see most of my responses work for the old school 4x4s

It was a 1987 Ford Ranger. Yes it had two drive shafts. And a transfer case. And a shifter on the floor for 4 H, 4 L and 2 H. But it did not have locking hubs to my knowledge.

[ElkHunter]

Take it to a gravel lot. NOT PAVEMENT! Lock in the hubs (if they are locking), drop the transfer into 4 HI. Put it in first and cut a small circle. The wheels will be going different speeds in a tight circle so the wheels will try and play catchup. Either the front tires or the rear tires will spin a little every few feet. Also, the truck will buck a little.

[Franklyn]

Like ElkHunter sez but use a sandy beach or mud puddle. With a mud puddle the powered front wheels which "spin a little" will throw some mud up onto the fenders, etc.

That's how the local kids keep their 4WD pickups all the time. They just won't wash the sides of their trucks. Only the glass. Got to show off the thrown mud, otherwise they - or their trucks - are considered by their friends as wimps.

Kids