Posted by Ben on November 29, 00 at 12:47:10:
In Reply to: Re: Front diff noise in 2000 Suburban posted by Traveler on November 29, 00 at 12:27:48:
: You can't engage 4WD on dry pavement or it binds driveline. The front wheels compared to the rear travel on different radii.
: If you have auto-trac, it should work OK in "auto" mode, or of course in 2WD.
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You can actually do damage to the drive train if it's not auto-trac and it's in 4lock and driven on pavement. It's designed to be driven on dirt or other loose surface.
As Traveler stated, the different radii that the 4 tires travel will generate tremendous torques in all of the components between the 4 tires. The larger the tires, the more friction, therefore the torques they can generate. Bent, broken components ARE the results, even from a short distance.
Proof of all of this binding is your statement that the vehicle STOPs cold when gas is removed. All of the built up countering torques all focus themselves to bind the various rotating components.
You can get away with 4x4lock on pavement and that is in slippery condtions. That is what it's designed for. AWD (all wheel drive) is designed for pavement usage (there is a slipage component built in).
-Ben