I was just wondering if any of you guys knew if the 4wd on a truck has different gear ratios from front to rear? so when you put it in 4HI do the front tires turn slower or faster than the rear? or do they turn the same speed? on like a ford chevy and dodge?/ not a polaris quesion but i figured that someone here might know....thanks...

 

I think the gearing has to be the same as the rear.The transfer case takes care of the hi to lo.

 

my jeep has the same gearing,front and rear.

 

why does it say in the owners manual that you cant drive in 4WD on paved surfaces or severe drive line damage will result...now why is that if they turn at the same rate???

 

That is exactly the reason you might cause damage if you drive on a high traction surface while in 4WD. Because the ratios are the same, all 4 wheels want to roll at the same speed which is fine if you don't turn. While turning, the wheels must travel at different speeds and they can't do this while in 4WD. However, most trucks only will have power at one wheel in front and one in back so this is not a major issue,("Open" differentials, the tire that can spin will) but why would you run in 4WD on a high traction surface anyway? If you have a more serious truck and have limited slip or a diff. lock in the rear and some sort of diff. lock system up front then you will definately have problems on pavement while in 4WD, but if you have this stuff in your truck you know better. It would be very difficult to actually turn such a vehicle on pavement.

The short answer is yes, both front and rear have the same gear ratios.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

pm3, I see you have a couple of 4x4 Polaris'. The same thing happens if you ride one of those on pavement. Ever made a sharp turn on pavement? Because the rear diff is essentially "locked" on the Polaris, the wheel on the outside of the turn has to turn faster than the inside wheel and the diff won't allow for it so usually you'll here it screech whilst in the turn. That can be hard on the drive system too. In sand, dirt, or mud that wheel would be allowed to slip as the turn is being made thus producing less force within the driveline.

 

nice touch TreeDoc, well put.