I had to put my truck in 4 wheel the other day because of a wreck on a narrow road. I started to make a sharp turn, but when I did the truck didn't want to budge (at the sharpest point of the turn) and felt like something was holding it back. I also smelled hot brakes. When I straightened it up the problem went away. It doesn't do this at all in 2 wheel and I tried it again later in a flat parking lot and it did the same thing. I have absolutely no idea what is going on unless something is rubbing, but it should do that during all sharp turns, not just 4x4, right? Any suggestions out there?

 

It is obvious you are not familiar with how the 4WD system works. What you experienced is perfectly normal. When it is in 4WD, the front and rear drives are locked together because there is no differential between them. When you turn in 4WD the front and rear drives start to bind because they are going at different speeds. The sharper you turn the more they bind. They only way it can keep going is making the tires slip. Being in 4WD on a high traction surface can damage the drive system due to the increased strain. 4WD should only be used on low traction surfaces.

AWD systems do not have this problem but don't work as well off-road either.

 

Brother, it is more than obvious. I spent years in AWD cars and this is my first 4x4. Thanks for the help, I was really worried for a second. I should probably do more research and learn a thing or two, eh?