I have a 97' f150 that I recently bought and just started using the 4wd. However when I take a sharp turn the transmission feels jerky and kinda like the tires are rubbing. Anyone know what is causing this.

Ps. the tires are 265/70r18 with no lift.

 

Hmm...could a swore I answered this same question recently. Oh yes, I did...

https://www.f150forum.com/f6/4lo-jerking-237397/

It's normal. Don't use on dry pavement. Avoid extremely sharp turns.

Edit: I forgot to answer why... A basic explanation as to why it jerks on turns is because the wheels are traveling at different rotational speeds instead of all turning in sync like when you're going straight. 4wd doesn't like to do that, it's called "binding" and in order to not break the internals of your differentials/transfer case your wheels need to slip to adjust for the rotational difference. That is why you don't do it on dry pavement, it's hard to slip on dry tar. Your truck will bounce/hop/pop/click/jerk, even on ice because there is still friction between your tires and the ground.

 

Yea, I seen that yesterday as well haha.

 

I actually explained this to my son (generalizing of course) a few years ago and demonstrated what was happening with one of his Lego sets.
He couldn't figure out why his car with straight axles wouldn't turn easy and his tires jumped.

 

Also, just for the ones who don't know.....Never mix or match tire sizes with 4x4. It will give you the same choppy feel, if it doesn't break something first. Using a smaller or bigger tire, even for a short time, while in 4x4, will cause bind/popping noises that can and will cause damage to these trucks. All 4 tires and rims must match size and diameter. If one if different, you can have major problems,

 

What is an acceptable range of difference? I run 2 different brand 265's on my winter set. (Matching tires per axle, of course. No issues unless 4wd engaged)

When on the truck, they are within 1/2" of each other (squish factor). I avoid using 4wd unless extremely necessary and haven't ran into any issues. I like my transfercase to work .

I will measure my current summer set today and see how much difference there is between the fronts and rears of the same tires (squish factor, they are a all matching tires).

 

If your in sloppy muddy conditions it shouldn't hurt it. Any place on hard top could mess things up bad. I'm not real sure on the percentages as no two tires are identical but I'm sure there is a range. Maybe ak can help us

 

Overall, -it's probably not a good idea to run different sizes IMO. From my experience, a 1/2" diff at the rear (9.75 LS rear end), may cause LS slip. the LS clutch pack can slip when making right or left turns from a stop. The sort of funny part about that, -it seems the rear end will eventually adapt to the difference.
Thing is, - when you get around to to replacing both of those rear axle tires with say, new tires same size, after running different sizes, the clutch packs will slip again, -right and left hand turns (from a stop). But that's only until the LS once again adapts.

 

Tis better to put the new tires on the front. The front axle will pull the lighter rears around slightly and work well. That way U won't have the new tires on the rear pushing the front when in 4 wheel drive and will be more controllable. If U have a full time 4X4 it is best to keep all tires the same and replace when worn with 4. Dry pavement and uneven front to rear tire size are not so good and U are going to get extra wear even with a constant gear set up.