J-Doc

I can't believe this thread is still going.

Thank you for helping establish that I was not crazy when I said my manual stated this. I have since figured out that this truck has locking differentials and that's why it has more noise/resistance when making any amount of turn whatsoever. The only reason I asked the question in the first place is because I had it in 4wd in my yard (backing in a boat) and when I exited the yard onto the street, it was still in 4wd. That's when I noticed the noise/rubbing. It was far more than my Tacoma. That's when I started exploring it a bit more. I typically do not run it in 4wd on dry paving ever. I have since stopped randomly engaging it for a mile at very low speeds (under 40mph) like I did my Tacoma per the MANUAL. Since so many people were ready to grab pitchforks and torches when I asked the question.

My Tacomas, a Nissan Frontier, and previous GMC's have never made such noise or felt so bound. As I stated, I don't normally turn on dry pavement with 4wd. Straight only to lubricate the system.

Wow......first 4wd vehicle I've ever had that was so sensitive to dry pavement. I get snow 2-3 times a year and sometimes more so I know I'll be using it on ice/snow. I typically don't "test" it on dry pavement. If I drive on dry pavement in 4wd, it's always straight. I just happen to be at a 4-way stop when I decided to turn it on 4wd hi range and was turning left at the intersection and it made lots of rubbing noises. Normal driving, nothing fast or crazy. All manufacturers tell you to not drive on dry pavement for extended time periods. I wouldn't think 100-200yds would be considered "extended time period". Once I noticed the noise, I slowed to a stop and tested it from a dead stop and turning slowly. That's all I did so I doubt anything was damaged due to that. Was just curious if this was considered "normal". My Tacoma had a flawless 4wd system and it would not make such noises or feel like it was binding. I used 4wd hi in my yard all the time during winter months to keep from digging in the yard. Never a problem.

My truck is listed below. I've had it just over a month now and never used 4wd until today. I like to engage 4wd and drive a few blocks to ensure everything stays lubricated and functional. Never over the recommended speeds for low or high range either. Just simply turning the hubs and engaging the system. You CANNOT turn the wheels through a street intersection without hearing a rubbing sound that sounds like the tires are rubbing the fenderwells. Is this normal??? Surely something is wrong and I need to get service. If this is the normal 4wd system on a Z71 for the price I paid........I will feel ripped off. I've never had a 4wd truck that sounded like this and slows down the vehicle in a turn like this. It's very restrictive even at a dead stop when trying to turn sharply and maneuver in 4wd slowly. In hi or low range.

So just "how bright" is HID over stock anyway? Article above says it adds more power. Is it a nuance to oncoming drivers? I've seen a lot of Mercedes with super bright super white headlights and they blind oncoming traffic. Zane... Great write up by the way!!