RC 2" Level 4WD Axle Binding

[james83]

I seem to notice a pretty big difference in 4WD behavior now that I put on the RC 2" level. Prior to the level, I could pop in 4 high and drive at typical roadway speeds no problem. Now, the thing pretty much grinds to a halt even at low speeds. This is on pavement mind you, which I know is a no-no, but I was just testing it out for a brief period while on my way to the dealer for warranty work (I was checking the high frequency noise mentioned in another thread). Really feels like the thing is binding up pretty bad. I was not expecting this behavior. Then again I'm coming from a 2WD Silverado, so I could just be my lack of familiarity. Can anyone else with a RC 2" level chime in on this? Once I get it off pavement, I'm hoping it behaves normally.

[KUUG]

I have the 2.5" lift and I have no problems. What speeds were you driving at?

Its possible that you messed it up just by driving on the pavement before you did the leveling.

 

Only thing I could recommend is to try it like your supposed to use it(offroad) and see what happens

[mike94silverado]

I didn't think the 2.5" level was supposed to mess with the axles....

[james83]

I was in 4-high and going no faster than 40 mph. The manual says you can shift into 4-high at speeds up to 70 mph I believe. Only had it in gear for maybe 5 minutes. I would be shocked if that caused any damage. The way this thing feels now, I'm terrified to put it in 4-high anywhere near those speeds. Going to experiment with this a little more this weekend and see what I can figure out. Just feels different with the level on there.

[fondupot]

Driving on dry pavement in 4hi is bad.

 

I would say 40 mph is even too fast to be driving with 4hi on in snow/rain on pavement.

[james83]

That seems contrary to everything I've heard and/or read about 4WD. Yes it's bad if you make tight turns, but I've always heard it's good to run it in 4WD once a month for 10 miles or so just to keep everything lubed (assuming you dont use 4WD often). Most guys just find a straight stretch of highway to do that. Manual does say that running in 4WD on dry pavement for longer periods of time will cause increased wear though, so that seems contradictory. Don't see anything in the manual about running it once a month to stay lubed, so maybe that's no longer necessary/recommended.

[kstruckcountry]

The running it in 4wd to lube stuff is for solid front axles with hubs. It's recommended to engage the hubs once a month.

 

Yeah you don't want to drive much on the highway in 4x4. But it shouldn't "hurt" anything to do it. Yes it does put wear on the front drive. But using it any time does that too.

[Jon A]

If you want to do that, fine, but don't use 4 HI, use AUTO. On dry roads Auto will only put a small amount of torque to the front (but they will get some) and the clutches in the transfer case give a "soft/loose" connection between the front and the rear to prevent binding.

 

In 4 HI the front and rear are solidly locked together which will cause major binding on pavement. You really should only use this offroad or when the road conditions are really poor (completely covered with snow/ice).

[james83]

That's a good idea. I don't remember how it behaved in auto, but I think there was no binding. I'll try it again and see. Seems like what I am currently experiencing is normal behavior for these trucks, so I'm feeling a little better about that.

[kstruckcountry]

Auto is definitely what you want at higher speeds. It works great.

[DanielAcosta]

I use mine on dry pavement going straight up to about 60mph once a week just to keep things moving and don't notice any binding, noise, or slow down any different from 2wd. I've done this with every 4x4 I've had without incident. If yours is slowing down abnormally in 4wd you certainly have a problem, not necessarily from your 2 inch lift.

[thewhitestallion]

I wouldn't do that. any kind of slight turn could cause binding if everything is locked up like in 4hi. I would go off-road and try it. doesn't even have to be on trails just find some open field and drive in it and see how it feels.

 

however, if there is something that is wrong take the level kit off before taking it to the dealer as they will void the problem because of the leveling kit. they can easily articulate the leveling kit as causing the problem if your axle is binding up. GL with everything.

[crushNchowda]

You don't wanna put it in 4wd period on dry pavement. Period. If you're going to do it the only place/situation I would is a straight line- turn it on from a stop drive it up to 40 for a short stretch. Stop. Turn it off. No turning.

 

I use 4hi driving on snow covered roads up to 40-45 even touching 50 but wouldn't be making any hard turns at those speeds. Before I get on the highway from my house where a) the roads will be cleared much better and b) ill be going 60-75 o throw it in 4auto.

 

I don't go more than 75 in 4auto and was skeptical at first running it that way but it seems fine to me and the manual concurs.

 

Don't put it in 4wd on dry pavement

 

You don't wanna put it in 4wd period on dry pavement. Period. If you're going to do it the only place/situation I would is a straight line- turn it on from a stop drive it up to 40 for a short stretch. Stop. Turn it off. No turning.

 

I use 4hi driving on snow covered roads up to 40-45 even touching 50 but wouldn't be making any hard turns at those speeds. Before I get on the highway from my house where a) the roads will be cleared much better and b) ill be going 60-75 o throw it in 4auto.

 

I don't go more than 75 in 4auto and was skeptical at first running it that way but it seems fine to me and the manual concurs.

 

Don't put it in 4wd on dry pavement