Rear diff question

[Jon6873]

I have a 04 XL 4WD with limited slip and 3.73 rear. Yesterday, when I parked at the bottom of my drive in 2WD to get mail and started up my drive, there is some snow so the limited slip started working and got me up the drive. The drive only has a very very slight incline. Then I have to turn 90 deg to get into garage. As I am about to turn, the engine seems to chug a little and not want to pull the vehicle. Also, as I am turning, the rear sounds like it is binding. All of this is happening at about 1 mph. I don't think this is normal. What is going on?
Thanks.

[dreinking]

Originally Posted by Jon6873

I have a 04 XL 4WD with limited slip and 3.73 rear. Yesterday, when I parked at the bottom of my drive in 2WD to get mail and started up my drive, there is some snow so the limited slip started working and got me up the drive. The drive only has a very very slight incline. Then I have to turn 90 deg to get into garage. As I am about to turn, the engine seems to chug a little and not want to pull the vehicle. Also, as I am turning, the rear sounds like it is binding. All of this is happening at about 1 mph. I don't think this is normal. What is going on?
Thanks.

When that happened to you I dont think the auto 4wd had a chance to disengage itself. All 4 wheel drive vehicles will feel like they are "chugging" and dont want to move easily when you make a tight turn on dry pavement with all 4 wheels engaged. 4wd drive is not meant for a non slippery surface. The wheels need a bit of "slipping" to make tight turns with 4 wheels engaged. It is very hard on the drive train to operate 4wd on dry pavement and then make a turn. You also wear out your tires doing it. When you feel that chugging feeling stop moving and put the control in 2wd. You may feel a jerk as the wheels unlock out of 4wd. Be nice to your 4 wheel drive!!

[js02envoy]

as far as i know the rear is actually a locking rear w/ a posi unit, and i think when it slips it locks up to enable better traction.... so pretty much it locked up and did not have a chance to unlock before you tried to make the turn. the chugging noise is the motor trying to spin the tires at the same rate of speed around the turn, which is nearly impossible.

p.s. i have the same problem, and while its anoying it comes in handy when your friend gets his full size Dodge Ram Diesel stuck in a snow bank and u need to pull him out!

[Jon6873]

Thanks for the advice. I guess it's just a characteristic of this limited slip system.