Noise Difference In 4 Low Vs. 4 High

[Lahatiel]

This might seem to be a silly question to most of you, but this truck is my first ever 4x4. So as you can imagine my experience in most things trucks is rather limited.

 

Should 4 wheel low run louder than 4 wheel high? I hardly notice any noise at all when running in 4 wheel high. In fact I really have to listen closely to tell a difference vs. 2 wheel. My 4 low, however, seems to groan. It isn't very loud, but it is enough to make me ask the question: Is it normal?

 

Back ground on the truck:

 

'06 Sierra, 5.3, 24600 miles. Have placed 500 of those miles on the truck so far. I've owned it for about 3 weeks now.

[wlvrn1215]

depends on the noise.....a slight whine is normal

[pwall]

It will sound different in 4-low and in 4-high for sure.

And you should be able to feel the difference.

[99silveradoz71]

Also, what were/are the circumstances surrounding your 4 low usage? I've never really used 4 low in any of the 3 4wd vehicles I've had except while pulling bushes with my Jimmy once.

[PunchT37]

It`s normal to have more noise in 4L. You`re going through a reduction in low but not in 4H. You will also notice a slight growl while turning in 4wd. That is the spider gears turning in the front diff. You don`t want to use 4WD too much on dry pavement, especially turning.

[Lahatiel]

Also, what were/are the circumstances surrounding your 4 low usage? I've never really used 4 low in any of the 3 4wd vehicles I've had except while pulling bushes with my Jimmy once.

 

No special circumstances. Just testing it out before too much of the remaining factory warranty runs out. I only ran it for around 30 seconds or so.

 

 

It`s normal to have more noise in 4L. You`re going through a reduction in low but not in 4H. You will also notice a slight growl while turning in 4wd. That is the spider gears turning in the front diff. You don`t want to use 4WD too much on dry pavement, especially turning.

 

That was my assumption, but wasn't sure if I should be concerned or not. I'd rather ask now than to appear "all knowing" and have to make repairs down the road.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

[99silveradoz71]

Good deal, I've just only used 4lo when pulling bushes or when I got hungup in some deep snow off the road, so I just wanted to be sure you weren't humming down the freeway or anything.