41 in 4wheel drive question

[41powerwagon]

Been driving the truck and when I put it in 4wd steering is harder and acts like brakes are on somewhat.
Looking for direction on where to look for problem or is this typical.

[Gordon_M]

Welcome to four wheel drive Dodges.

This is absolutely typical, but the steering will only be harder if you are on a hard surface - tarmac, concrete, dry flat ground, and you should seldom, if ever, need four wheel drive on those surfaces, maybe for the odd difficult tow.

Leave it in two wheel drive except when you need it, and be glad you don't have a 6 x 6 WC because I've been told those are hard work in six wheel drive low range.

Gordon

[Don]

I looked at a half ton once that had had the rear differential gears replaced. Someone had put in gears from a 3/4 ton truck that had a different ratio. Could be worth a check here.

[Gordon_M]

I looked at a half ton once that had had the rear differential gears replaced. Someone had put in gears from a 3/4 ton truck that had a different ratio. Could be worth a check here.

That's a good thought Don. I seldom put mine in four wheel if they have all four wheels on the ground at the same time.

[41powerwagon]

Very good point. Any easy way of checking?

[Gordon_M]

1. Jack up one side, everything in neutral, stick a bit of tape on both propellor shafts for reference.

2. Turn the front wheel and count the number of turns it takes to get the tape on the front prop shaft to complete one revolution.

3. Turn the back wheel and count the number of turns it takes to get the tape on the back prop shaft to complete one revolution.

The number of turns don't matter, as long as it is the same back and front. Mismatched differential ratios are much more likely on a 3/4 ton where someone may have replaced the rear with a half ton WC diff " to make it go faster" but not bothered with the front.

[motto]

Even more simple than that would be to jack up one side of the vehicle and place a bit of tape at the bottom of both wheels. With front axle engaged rotate the wheels . If diff ratios are the same the tapes will remain in the same position relative to each other no matter how many revolutions you give them.

David

[41powerwagon]

Super ideas. Thanks for the insight

[Kaegi]

did you figure out the issue?

[41powerwagon]

Not yet. The paint job was not very good so it’s back at the painters. God willing and wife accepting it will be in my possession by the holidays. I’ll post asap

[41powerwagon]

Sorry so late. Rear wheel 1 full turn, front wheel 3/4 of a turn.
Okay other than dropping out front drive shaft what’s next?

[Gordon_M]

It sounds like you have one half ton diff and one 3/4 ton, given those numbers. I may have it wrong, but it also sounds like the 1/2 ton diff is in the back and the 3/4 ton diff up front. ( logic-check me here somebody )

Only obvious solution is to replace one diff, I think.

[41powerwagon]

I agree. Need to replace the diff. So how much fun is that going to be? I’ve done bearings and engine work before. A reasonable diy person.

[Gordon_M]

Back axle is a lot simpler than the front for a diff change. If I wanted to change a front diff I'd probably get a spare axle, service it, and just swap it in.

[41powerwagon]

So I see I can go to the 8 1/4” 5.83 ring and pinion set for the back to match the front. Unless I can find an early ‘42 axle. If I do change the ring and pinion what else will need to be changed? Axle shafts, bearings? Etc?