I had my rear driveshaft out yesterday while painting it and replacing its u-joints. I went for a drive in 4HI, so the jeep was really just operating in front wheel drive. As expected, there were some handling differences, such as the front wanting to dart around a bit while driving on bumpy roads. There was also less traction while accelerating on wet roads because the weight of the jeep shifts off the front tires while speeding up.
Anyway, I also noticed that the front wheels were binding up significantly while making tighter turns. I avoided very tight turns so that I wouldn't stress the front axles, but even a right hand turn at a 4 way stop was enough to feel some binding and tire slippage/skidding. It felt exactly identical and as extreme as if both driveshafts were in and I had 4HI engaged like normal 4WD. I was always under the impression that the binding while steering in 4 wheel drive was exclusively because the front and rear tires under power were rotating different distances around turns. I guess I am just curious for an explanation as to what was going on. I have a rubicon, so was a limited slip differential causing this to happen? I have no related mechanical issues otherwise, so it was not faulty front axle u-joints binding up.
Anyway, I also noticed that the front wheels were binding up significantly while making tighter turns. I avoided very tight turns so that I wouldn't stress the front axles, but even a right hand turn at a 4 way stop was enough to feel some binding and tire slippage/skidding. It felt exactly identical and as extreme as if both driveshafts were in and I had 4HI engaged like normal 4WD. I was always under the impression that the binding while steering in 4 wheel drive was exclusively because the front and rear tires under power were rotating different distances around turns. I guess I am just curious for an explanation as to what was going on. I have a rubicon, so was a limited slip differential causing this to happen? I have no related mechanical issues otherwise, so it was not faulty front axle u-joints binding up.