Nothing Special
Sr. Member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2016
- Messages
- 804
And even with the slightly mis-matched ratios it really doesn't amount to much. Tire rolling diameters aren't always right on, making a perfect ratio match not perfect anyway. And going around any corner or curve also changes the match.
Probably the biggest reason an empty pickup deals with 4WD on hard surfaces so well is that it's so easy to scuff back tires. A loaded pickup in 4WD is going to be harder on the equipment (in 4WD on hard surfaces). A Bronco will be somewhere in-between (but as a relatively light weight truck on relatively tough axles, it's probably closer to the unloaded pickup).
And you typically won't damage any metal parts by smooth operation in 4WD on hard surfaces. The breakage typically comes when you put shock loads on the drive train, like when you lose traction and then abruptly regain it while under power. This happens in tighter turns (the crow-hopping), but not typically at any other time when driving in 4WD on pavement.
All of that said, it's still a bad idea to use 4WD on hard, good traction surfaces. If nothing else, it wears your tires and uses more fuel. But also, even without the shock loads, the higher forces on the drive train will cause some fatigue, which typically won't come around to bite you, but it isn't doing your axle shafts and U-joints any favors.
Probably the biggest reason an empty pickup deals with 4WD on hard surfaces so well is that it's so easy to scuff back tires. A loaded pickup in 4WD is going to be harder on the equipment (in 4WD on hard surfaces). A Bronco will be somewhere in-between (but as a relatively light weight truck on relatively tough axles, it's probably closer to the unloaded pickup).
And you typically won't damage any metal parts by smooth operation in 4WD on hard surfaces. The breakage typically comes when you put shock loads on the drive train, like when you lose traction and then abruptly regain it while under power. This happens in tighter turns (the crow-hopping), but not typically at any other time when driving in 4WD on pavement.
All of that said, it's still a bad idea to use 4WD on hard, good traction surfaces. If nothing else, it wears your tires and uses more fuel. But also, even without the shock loads, the higher forces on the drive train will cause some fatigue, which typically won't come around to bite you, but it isn't doing your axle shafts and U-joints any favors.