Four Wheel Drive Issue

I have a 2016 Tundra w/ TRD Off Road Package. It engages in four-wheel drive w/o issues.
Drives and handles at highway speeds w/o any issues. My concern is when it's in four-wheel
drive and making turns left or right or maneuvering at slower speeds the steering is very jerky.
Is this normal with Toyotas? I've had four-wheel drive trucks in the past and don't recall having
this happen.

 

On dry pavement that is normal. You are feeling the driveline binding up, which isn’t good for it.

On semi-slick, or even slick conditions, you may still feel som jerkiness, particularly with tighter turns

 

My Ford and my Tundra both do this….normal.

 

As mentioned above, the jerkiness is the drivetrain binding in turns. The tundra uses a true 4wd system where the front and rear driveshafts are locked together. While turning, all four wheels are turning at different speeds so with higher traction surfaces including wet roads, the tires can’t differentiate speed without binding. The good part is that you have good power distribution in 4wd.

I don’t know what other 4wd vehicles you have owned, but they often have a 4Auto or similar system that disconnects the from driveshaft until it detects slip, then re-engages the front drive system. I had an old explorer that did this in 4Hi not matter what, and a few 90’s GM trucks that had 4Auto. I did not care for them even if it made turning easier; it just made it easier to break front drivetrain parts. But that’s my opinion.

 

White SR5
Ct. Rich Cool photo. I'd hate to see birds like those at McDonalds
Blenton
Thanks for the info. I
ToyTruck2016

 

In 4WD , tires need to slip otherwise yes the fronts will "chuck" so to speak on dry pavement when turning..

 

Unless a vehicle has a center differential, like all wheel drive vehicles do, you will have binding happen when making turns because when you turn the wheel the front wheels are now turning a different amount of rotations than the rear. With a center differential this is not a problem but in a part time 4wd system without one you are going to damage the system. Only use 4wd when the wheels are able to slip like in on snow/ice, heavy rain, sand or dirt. If you are wanting to exercise the system on dry pavement, only go in a straight line.

 

Thank You Joe333x

 

Normal. Especially in reverse.