Slipping or stuttering in 4wd auto mode -- is this normal?

[BlaineBug]

A long long long time ago, we had to get out and lock hubs to use 4WD.

Then came along automatic hubs, but you still had to lock them for full time 4WD.

Sometimes they'd get stuck in the locked position and we'd have to drive backwards for a few feet to be able to unlock them. In bad cases, we had to jack up the wheels to release the tension to be able to unlock them.

The AWD systems (on our Explorer) are good for my wife, so she doesn't need to think about it.

Thank goodness the GM hubs are full time locked. The vacuum and electronic locking hubs from Ford and Chrysler were often problematic!

 

[Larryjb]

Actually I like the old manual hubs, but with the selectable transfer case. This way your front wheels aren't driving the drive shafts all the way to the transfer case. Less wear and tear.

Has anyone done this?

 

[BlaineBug]

Actually I like the old manual hubs, but with the selectable transfer case. This way your front wheels aren't driving the drive shafts all the way to the transfer case. Less wear and tear.

Has anyone done this?

Who knows, there may be an aftermarket manufacturer out there who makes a manual disconnect hub. But the issue would probably be the stock wheels as the center opening is very small!

 

[RobH]

When my tranny torque converter lockup clutch started going out, it was slipping and grabbing in some gears, primarily second. No codes. Did a full fluid flush. Eventually there were codes and a reman transmission. I'd really watch it closely your next miles until you exit your warranty.

And thereafter for that mater.

 

[BlaineBug]

Actually I like the old manual hubs, but with the selectable transfer case. This way your front wheels aren't driving the drive shafts all the way to the transfer case. Less wear and tear.

Has anyone done this?

A quick search revealed this, but only compatible up to 2006 according to the listing.

 

[olejkodf]

This happened with my wife's '21 Tahoe. I find it incredible that GM has an "auto" feature that actually degrades the transfer case over time. Detroit needs to invest in some quality engineers or get some help from Europe or Asia.

 

[BlaineBug]

This happened with my wife's '21 Tahoe. I find it incredible that GM has an "auto" feature that actually degrades the transfer case over time. Detroit needs to invest in some quality engineers or get some help from Europe or Asia.

In the manual it does state that the automatic 4x4 mode is not to be used in fully dry conditions, but I do realize that very few owners actually read the manual.