Noise engaging 4WD

loop67 · March 30, 2005

I have a 2004 2500 crewcab, and several times now(3-4) when engaging the 4wd it is making a bad grinding noise. Truck has 6,000 miles. It only does it when I really need to engage it (tires spinning in light mud through pasture). I usually let off the gas before engaging. It doesn't do it on hard/dry ground. It's starting to concern me now. Any advice?

asilverblazer · March 30, 2005

4HI

or

4LO

I sometimes get a grind when going into 4LO, never going into 4HI.

biochemist · March 30, 2005

Hello, please read the following post...I think this is what you are hearing/talking about...do not worry there is nothing wrong . If you are moving (rears moving and front is not = stuck) then the noise is just everything lining up, this happens when you wait too long to engage 4x4 until you are stuck and spinning. Just stop, brake, engage then move forwad. This is why your truck does not do this on dry pavement (all 4 wheels are moving the same speed)...Dealers told me this happens when it snows and sometimes they have to move forward or backward a bit until it engages, which is why they leave them in 4x4 all winter here in MA...it is meant for on-the-fly use although as you will read you can indeed be sitting still and then engage and it will be fine 99+% of the time, but I think as others do, it is better to be rolling along when you hit the button and certainly when you push the lever...You can always just push the button/lever (which do you have BTW?) when you enter an area you may need 4x4...Hope this helps, later,