4 wheel drive problems

abogoto · June 3, 2006

Hey, anyone with 4X4 experience, I have 1997 GMC 4X4 there is some slack in the rear end and makes a clunk sound when it is put in reverse or drive. I was told it was the ring and pinion. However, my real question is, when I engage the 4 wheel drive it drives real normal in a straight line, but if Ii turn a corner it is like someone is putting on the brakes! very noticible. Just as a hunch I took off the rear drive shaft and drove around the block in 4 wheel with just the front wheels pulling, and had no problem at all even when turning sharp? I put back the drive shaft and the binding up problem is there again. Any ideas? I would be grateful.

454ss · June 3, 2006

you do NOT use 4wheel on hard dry/paved surfaces, it is normal to bind up under those conditions and you will brake something. the slop in the rear end has nothing to do with it. also you should never drive it without the rear shaft, the slip yoke is all that seals up the rear output on the tcase.

snoman · June 3, 2006

Hey, anyone with 4X4 experience, I have 1997 GMC 4X4 there is some slack in the rear end and makes a clunk sound when it is put in reverse or drive. I was told it was the ring and pinion. However, my real question is, when I engage the 4 wheel drive it drives real normal in a straight line, but if Ii turn a corner it is like someone is putting on the brakes! very noticible. Just as a hunch I took off the rear drive shaft and drove around the block in 4 wheel with just the front wheels pulling, and had no problem at all even when turning sharp? I put back the drive shaft and the binding up problem is there again. Any ideas? I would be grateful.

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The slop is kinda normal in a 4x4 and no cause for concern. It is no surprize that it binds because there is no differentail between front and rear axle and the different wheel speeds (especaily in a turn) will really bind things up.

svensk · June 3, 2006

Hey, anyone with 4X4 experience, I have 1997 GMC 4X4 there is some slack in the rear end and makes a clunk sound when it is put in reverse or drive. I was told it was the ring and pinion. However, my real question is, when I engage the 4 wheel drive it drives real normal in a straight line, but if Ii turn a corner it is like someone is putting on the brakes! very noticible. Just as a hunch I took off the rear drive shaft and drove around the block in 4 wheel with just the front wheels pulling, and had no problem at all even when turning sharp? I put back the drive shaft and the binding up problem is there again. Any ideas? I would be grateful.

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Yeah, I think it is pretty normal. Mine makes a slight grinding noise when 4 wheel is activated and I also have the drive shaft clunk when I put the tranny in reverse. I don't really think anything of it because I don't believe it is causing problems.