Posted by Ben on December 12, 00 at 07:19:17:
In Reply to: Front Differential Problems? posted by Lee Correll on December 12, 00 at 06:17:36:
When in 4x4 high or low, the transfer case (unless full time, like the newer models) has locked the front diff to the rear diff with a solid drive shaft.
Since ALL of the tires rotate at differing speeds, they need to slip else they will build up torque that will destroy everything inbetween the tires. I've seen vehicles "jump" off the ground due to this binding. That is called Crow Hopping and is when there is so much binding that the leaf springs get torqued to the point they have enough energy to force one tire to unwind in the opposite direction, which means it looses traction and leaves the ground.
4x4 high/low requires slippage to counter this action and is why you should only use 4x4 on slipper pavement or offroad where traction is poorer.
The trie component only means the tire has more traction if it's bigger/better/etc.
Full time has a slippage designed into it and usually an other differential in the transfer case (or some other such).
For those who doubt, consider they why of differentials in our front and rear. Or just the rear of 2WD vehicles. The two tires left to right take different radii during a turn and will break a solid axle between the two tires.
-Ben