Feels like stuck in 4wd

[Jakebud]

About a month ago, used 4wd low to back down boat on dirt lot. After placing the truck back in 2wd, with all indications normal, it felt like the truck was still in 4wd on dry pavement. The sticking receded over the next day. Local dealer lubed caliper pins a week or so later, but sticking still occurred intermittently over a few weeks, without ever selecting 4wd. In the last week, the truck has been perfectly normal. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Spike

 

[DonFitzwater]

Yep, u joints on the front knuckles. My 2010 did it and the dealer couldn't figure out what was wrong. After a close inspection of the U joints I found the drivers side bad and binding.

 

[Jakebud]

Thanks! It has an appointment tomorrow morning and I will suggest they look there!

Spike

 

[DonFitzwater]

Yes, make sure they actually look because my tech drove it and said nothing was wrong. I brought it home and climbed under and it was clear what was wrong.

 

[larryq]

Same here with my 2010....

Front u-joints for sure!

Larry

 

[firefighter_2000]

Are those covered under the factory warranty? Mine acts the same sometimes.

 

[larryq]

Mine weren't, I was out of warranty.

Larry

 

[firefighter_2000]

Mine is still under warranty. Is that something that is covered under warranty? I'm not where I can get my book out and check.

 

[larryq]

Then it should be covered

 

[DonFitzwater]

It's covered under power train and 3/36.

 

[firefighter_2000]

Other than feeling weird, how can I tell for sure?

 

[DonFitzwater]

Other than feeling weird, how can I tell for sure?

Climb under the truck and visually inspect the front axle wheel joints. If they have obvious damage like missing rubber seals or detectable slop, that is a problem. Some may look ok but be full of rust and are binding. They will be hardest to detect as some disassembly will be required. Usually you can have your truck in 2wd and with a tire off the ground, spin the wheel with the steering turned to one side. If binding or any appreciable noise is heard, you may have a bad wheel joint.
Mine were missing rubber seals AND worn into the caps at 55k miles.

 

[firefighter_2000]

I'll check that out.
Thanks!