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Truck makes thud sound in 4 wheel drive
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jdevans07
New User
Feb 26, 2009, 1:13 PM
Post #1 of 9
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Truck makes thud sound in 4 wheel drive
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2002
Ford
Ranger
4.0
70k
I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 4x4, manual transmission. When driving in 4 wheeler drive at various speeds I randomly hear a thud and the truck does a quick shutter (like it hit something small). I can go for miles before it happens again, but then happen 2 times with a few minutes. Any ideas?
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 26, 2009, 5:14 PM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: Truck makes thud sound in 4 wheel drive
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jd; Are you driving at a steady speed when this happens? Or, accelerating or decelerating? Straight, or turning?
So many questions.
Loren
SW Washington
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 26, 2009, 6:12 PM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: Truck makes thud sound in 4 wheel drive
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As Loren asked - need to know lots more about when and road conditions.
Some 4X4s aren't meant for even wet roads and mustn't use 4WD unless and only when needed - not while driving along all the time. That type will really react when turning sharp on plain wet or dry road. May behave straight ahead but even tires can screw it up - all would need to be near exact with wear and pressure,
T
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jdevans07
New User
Feb 27, 2009, 5:34 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: Truck makes thud sound in 4 wheel drive
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The majority of times it happens when I am driving down the road at a constant speed. It has never happened while turning. I've felt it happen at 35mph and at 70mph.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 27, 2009, 6:26 AM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: Truck makes thud sound in 4 wheel drive
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Please tell me why you are driving 70 MPH in 4WD in ice and snow when 4WD is used? You shouldn't even be in 4WD in some types unless you need it and 70 is a bit much for adverse condition!
There are "Full Time" 4WDs and AWDs and even they "differentiate" the action but automatically. Regular ones with a choice of 4wheel HI or LO or ordinary like 4 wheel HI you shouldn't be using on dry or even wet roadways in 4 wheel any selection for very long,
T
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 27, 2009, 4:28 PM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: Truck makes thud sound in 4 wheel drive
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jd; I hadn't thought about it until Tom mentioned it; 4WD does not like bare pavement. The front and rear differentials are not the same ratio. They will attempt to "bind", or "fight each other". The front wheels will want to turn faster than the rear. The transfer case, to the best of my knowledge, uses a chain to drive the gears. This chain can become 'sloppy' from improper use. I've had a couple of Ford PU's that had 'shift on the fly' transfer cases. I know the '94 F150 said in the owner's manual that you could shift into 4WD at any speed below 50mph. But, I NEVER did. I would come to either a complete, or rolling stop before shifting because I know what goes on in the transfer case. And, I would NEVER drive above 50mph if 4WD was needed. As Tom stated, if you are in conditions where 4WD is needed, you wouldn't be driving that fast, anyway, unless you had a death wish and were completely oblivious to other's safety.
Loren
SW Washington
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jdevans07
New User
Mar 2, 2009, 7:14 AM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: Truck makes thud sound in 4 wheel drive
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The 70mph was an exaggeration... my Ranger does not have auto 4 wheel drive, so I leave it in 4 wheel drive when the conditions are bad, and yes, I will drive 45mph.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 2, 2009, 7:47 AM
Post #8 of 9
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Please - read the suggestion for use in that specific vehicle's manual. Many 4X4s aren't meant to stay there unless you are off roading, or in real snow or ice. I own one and won't go a mile on plain wet road surface with it engaged. It trashes tires and isn't good for it in THAT one. Can't speak for all or even what was available for this one.
4X4 will screw you up in handling while just driving along too depending on the type. Why do you need 4X4 and what are the road conditions?
T
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Mar 2, 2009, 3:18 PM
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Just had a Tahoe in today. The guy 'forgot' it was in 4WD, drove on the freeway, bare pavement. $1800.00 for the transfer case. Ouch. Sounded like the chain was coming through the case at any moment.
Loren
SW Washington
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