If your tow vehicle has standard shift, this suggestion might be a moot point for you.When I was new to trailer towing with my Dodge 3500 (6 speed manual), I would often encounter a burning smell while maneuvering my fiver into a site. I realized it was probably clutch material burning due to constantly riding the clutch. Somehow it never occurred to me to use 4WD, which would have been much easier on the clutch. The clutch did hold up pretty well for quite a while but eventually needed replacing. Having learned my lesson, I started using 4WD whenever making small maneuvers when towing. I don't know why I didn't do it sooner! Would have saved me paying for a new clutch.Oh well, water under the bridge. Live and learn. :W

Good point, but I think you mean 4-low, not just 4x4. Many drivers, unfamiliar with clutch operation, slipped the clutch, even driving a car. I think some just stepped on gas, let engine rev hard, while slowly letting up on the clutch pedal. :) Used to joke about the fan pulling car forward, until the clutch engagement took over.:)Jerry

In my Dodge, turning the front wheels is very difficult when the front is engaged. Especially in tight maneuvers.

Super_Dave wrote:In my Dodge, turning the front wheels is very difficult when the front is engaged. Especially in tight maneuvers.Yeah same on my F350. Putting it in 4WD makes the steering in turns much stiffer. I like most of us now days have an automatic transmission tho if that makes a difference. But I think it is just geometry.

agesilaus wrote:Super_Dave wrote:In my Dodge, turning the front wheels is very difficult when the front is engaged. Especially in tight maneuvers.Yeah same on my F350. Putting it in 4WD makes the steering in turns much stiffer. I like most of us now days have an automatic transmission tho if that makes a difference. But I think it is just geometry.No difference, manual to auto. Turning on dry pavement puts undo strain on front drive system. If on dirt, gravel, or especially ice, the tires can slide, rather than cause the front drive bind. Older style, manual locking hubs, worked best, as you could shift the case to 4-low, but leave hubs unlocked. This allowed the 4-low gearing, without locking the front drive system.Jerry

Yes, most HD trucks have no center differential and are very hard to turn in 4WD when on a solid, dry surface.

Saving the Clutch | Good Sam Community

frankwp
Explorer
Jan 22, 2021
Yes, most HD trucks have no center differential and are very hard to turn in 4WD when on a solid, dry surface.
MFL
Nomad II
Jan 22, 2021
agesilaus wrote:
Super_Dave wrote:
In my Dodge, turning the front wheels is very difficult when the front is engaged. Especially in tight maneuvers.

Yeah same on my F350. Putting it in 4WD makes the steering in turns much stiffer. I like most of us now days have an automatic transmission tho if that makes a difference. But I think it is just geometry.

No difference, manual to auto. Turning on dry pavement puts undo strain on front drive system. If on dirt, gravel, or especially ice, the tires can slide, rather than cause the front drive bind. Older style, manual locking hubs, worked best, as you could shift the case to 4-low, but leave hubs unlocked. This allowed the 4-low gearing, without locking the front drive system.

Jerry
agesilaus
Explorer III
Jan 22, 2021
Super_Dave wrote:
In my Dodge, turning the front wheels is very difficult when the front is engaged. Especially in tight maneuvers.

Yeah same on my F350. Putting it in 4WD makes the steering in turns much stiffer. I like most of us now days have an automatic transmission tho if that makes a difference. But I think it is just geometry.
Super_Dave
Explorer
Jan 22, 2021
In my Dodge, turning the front wheels is very difficult when the front is engaged. Especially in tight maneuvers.
MFL
Nomad II
Jan 22, 2021
Good point, but I think you mean 4-low, not just 4x4. Many drivers, unfamiliar with clutch operation, slipped the clutch, even driving a car. I think some just stepped on gas, let engine rev hard, while slowly letting up on the clutch pedal. :) Used to joke about the fan pulling car forward, until the clutch engagement took over.:)

Jerry

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