Posted: Apr 13 2007 at 1:59pm | IP Logged

Quick run down, I was off roading on the beach in 4x4 high.  Since the drive from the beach to the house was only 4 minutes I decided to keep in 4x4 till I got to the house.  As I pulled up, the drive way is kinda slanted and I was reversing in.  My buddy weighs 240lbs and I had two dirtbikes on the back equalling about 400+lbs or so.  I had the front wheels cocked all the way to the right so I can align myslef in the drive way.  When Went to tap on the gas, I heard a loud "POP" as if something slipped outta gear, I tapped one more time heard the noise again and noticed I was still in 4x4.  I took it outta 4x4 and everything was fine after that.  Did those two POP sounds I heard damage something? Or was that because 4x4 was engaged and should only be used on semi-slippery surfaces?  I have an 05 NISMO with 13,000 so the joint is virtually NEW!!!!!  Need to know if I have to get some warranty work done.  Any advice, guidence, or insight would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks Paul  P.S I was on dry ground

Posted: Apr 13 2007 at 9:57pm | IP Logged

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gsxrsrad1000;

... Driving a 4x4 on road or trail surfaces with good traction while in four wheel drive can cause problems. Most of the problems are increased wear in the running gear like u-joints, differentials, axles, steering and t-cases plus extra wear on the tires.

... The front to rear gear ratios may be the same but be the static radius of the tires and the different distances the wheels have to travel (during turns) will cause running gear to get in a bind.

Because of this binding you will not get good fuel mileage. The noise you heard could have been the release of the stresses in the drive-line. The odds are if you don’t hear any strange noises in the next few days you truck should survive. It’s kindda like smoking a cigarette… the first one doesn’t kill you.

... Driving on slippery surfaces reduces the stress on the system.