No 4x4

[arkantor]

OK so here is the deal. When I turn the knob to 4x4 high at any speed there is a grinding gear noise then a clunk after I slow down to about 1mph. So I know the transfer case is actually engaging, and my hubs are permanently locked. But I know that my 4x4 is not engaging ( I backed my truck up and got my rear end stuck on a snow banked and tried to drive off, but the front wheels received no power). I have not had time to actually look into the issue but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas.
Is there something between the transfer case and the wheels that is not engaging? Or could the T Case actually not be engaged? My next plan is to put the truck on jack stands and see if the tires spin. But when I crank the wheel in either direction it doesn't seem to have a problem in 4x4 so this is leaing me to believe that the 4x4 is shot.

Thanks Guys

 

[Jspafford]

There is nothing between the transfer case and the hubs that would go bad. Well there is, but you would know it if it did. How do you now the hubs are locked?

If the hubs are permantly locked there should be no noises when you shift into 4x4 while driving. I would try stopping, put it in neutral then shifting into 4lo and see if you get 4WD.

 

[97ranger4x4]

I also would not recommend jacking your truck and seeing if all 4wheels spin, that just sounds like bad luck...

 

[mkpecor]

ya that jack stand thing you want to do [DONT DO IT] that is NOT smart!!! do you have a vacume leak some were?

 

[arkantor]

I permanently locked my hubs by removing the clip on the hubs. http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Apr04/offroad.htm

If that really works then technically I should be locked.

 

[arkantor]

I put it in 4lo while I was stuck on the snow bank and it still wouldn't go, but the rear wheels were in lo gear.

 

[Jspafford]

Well that leads me to believe the case is working fine...

Check what you did to the front hubs, I don't think it worked.

Better yet, get a set of AVM hubs.

 

[arkantor]

Yeah I am looking for some AVM hubs, but they seem to be hard to find.

 

[97ranger4x4]

Here is what i posted for another memeber when his auto hubs went out.

I know nothing of 98+ hubs, but try this...

To make sure your tranfer case is acctually engaged in 4wd you can do this easy process. in 2wd, climb under your truck. you can rotate the front drive shaft (going from the transfer case to the front differential) you can also rotate the front axle (drive shaft going to each wheel).

Now turn the truck on, select 4hi and repeat process. if your transfer cases is engaging, the front drive shaft should no longer be able to spin freely. This is because it is now locked in. To tell if your front hubs are any good, try and spin the front axle. if these spin then your hubs are shot and need to be replaced. if your front axle and drive shaft do not spin then your 4wd is working fine.

Also repeat in 4wd low to make sure that the transfer case is still able to select 4wd low.

 

[arkantor]

Ill try that tonight. Stupid college keeps me from having time to fix the truck.

 

[97ranger4x4]

yeh I know how that goes, it was hard my freshman year when i lived in the dorms. now I rent a house with a 2 car garage so I have pleanty of room to work on my truck!

 

[blkmazda90]

ive done the jackstand thing

Guess i was lucky nothing happened

 

[arkantor]

4x4 Fixed. Apparently it must not have been locked in before. I was whipping donuts today on the way to check the drive shafts etc. and it locked in so whatever I guess.