2008 Tundra 4wd problems

Hello, thanks for the add.
I have a 2008 Tundra TRD SR5, I use it to plow snow at two duplexes we own, I've noticed that in 4HI that wile turning sharply , it jerks pretty bad, also If i go to 4LO, it wont move, I read somewhere that a common problem is the 4wd shift actuator, Any help would be appreciated, does this sound familiar and what is the fix?

Thanks,
taco_man

 

All standard 4wd systems work like this. When in 4wd, you have to be on a surface that will allow wheel slip. Otherwise the driveline will bind at the CVs and at the front to rear axle via the transfer case (which is locked when in use). CVs have a maximum angle of effectiveness. Factory OEMs perform better than most aftermarket brands in this category. You can only turn the wheel so far before the joint itself binds as it rolls over. You also have to allow the tires to slip in order to not bind the wheels front to back. So dirt, sand, ice, loose snow and mud etc., not paved parking lots. If your truck has the auto LSD feature, try that instead of 4wd in some log those lower traction high angle turn situations.

 

Yeah, I get that, its just that on other 4wds Ive owned, they seem to work fine when I'm plowing snow cuz the slippery surface allows that slippage, So it happens when I'm plowing I've had this truck for about 5 years and it used to turn on slippery surfaces, but now it jerks pretty violently, even in small radius turns, and If i go to 4 lo, the truck wont move, i have to shut it off, restart and drive in 2hi, I also see flashing 4 Hi and flashing 4lo on my dash, could it be its stuck in both 4lo and 4 hi?

 

Have you checked the CV joints?

 

No, do you think that's the problem?

 

You’re saying it doesn’t jerk in 4wd when going straight, only when you turn the wheel. That’s when the CVs do their magic. After you roll for a little bit, then the driveline can get bound up too. The only “locked” component on your year truck is the transfer case. Open front and rear diffs allow side to side wheel differences. The transfer case will not allow front to back differences as it is locked. So after rolling a few feet, the driveline can bind due to front to back differences.

 

You said it used to turn and now it doesn’t? Did you change tire sizes? Get new tires?

 

nope, same size all around, cant remember right now ,but not stock and has a leveling lift kit, i purchased it this way, and since i run a snowplow, i would guess that the front tire are probably worn more than the rears? could this cause this? it is due for a rotation

thanks,
taco_man

 

I was just thinking that if you just got new tires and were getting better traction then that could make it harder to turn