4wd Problems

[vcmudder]

I just installed new Warn manual locking hubs today because my 4wd didn't seem to be working. Today I tried the new ones out but they only seemed to work about 50% of the time in low range. And not at all in 4x4. Do you guys think it's something to do w/ the transfer case. I don't know a whole lot about them. Also has anyone else had these problems. Thanx.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hi Vcmudder,
It would help if you put down what model and year truck. If you have manual hubs then they are locked once you turn the hubs to the locked position. If you are not getting power to the front wheels, then the problem must be coming from the transfer case, or dealing with the transfer case.

 

[vcmudder]

It's a 91 Mazda Navajo. The t-case makes a locking sound when I push the button and it feels like power is sent foward because the back wheels don't spin as much. I have about 170,000 miles all highway and the owner before me didn't ever use the auto 4wd. So I'm probably the first who has tried to give it some well diserved use. Does these chain driven transfer cases act more like a transfer aider? It just doesn't feel like other trucks I've been wheelin with. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Well, lets see here.
Is there a differance between 4wdHi and 4wdLo when your are in Lo gear? There should be a differance. Actually in all gears, it's just more noticeable in Lo or first.
Will one of the front wheels (open front diff)kick up dirt when 4wheeling, say like you are going up a steep hill. if only the back tires are kicking up dirt, you are not in 4wd. Better yet put it in 4wd, in gear, make sure that you just move forward alittle to make sure everything has a chance to lock in. About 5ft will do. Then turn off the engine,but leave it in gear, then jack up the front so both wheels are off the ground. Grab one of the wheels and turn it. It should not be able to turn because it is connected to the tranny.If the tire does turn, is the drive shaft turning, if the drive shaft turns, you have a problem with the transfer case. If the wheel turns, but the drive shaft does not, you have a problem with your hubs. Hope this helps Dead Link Removed

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

 

[DOGMAN]

vc,

Sorry to hear about your problems.

Just thinking, are you sure you performed the auto to manual conversion properly? Warn supplies instructions with the hubs.

Also, do the hubs seat properly, meaning that do they go all the way down flush, or do you have to apply pressure to get them to seat? Sometimes you have to rotate the hubs or the axle to get the splines of the axle to line up with the hub splines. If the splined end of the axle is not going into the hub far enough, it will not transfer power. If the conversion isn't done properly, the hub will not seat down all the way, causing the same problem.

Ray's test is a good one. That should deduce where your problem is originating from.

GOOD LUCK!

DOGMAN

 

[vcmudder]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll try them as soon as I get a chance. Do you think changing the t-case oil would be a good idea since it's got 170,000 miles.

 

[vcmudder]

Hey guys I just went out and tried your tests. And the front wheels did turn with the front drive shaft. Going from foward to reverse there was a slight gap of the driveshaft turning. Since we pretty much determined that its the t-case then what can I do. It still feel like it works about 50% of the time. Especially if I punch it kind a hard in low. Any t-case tips would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Gofast]

Ouch, T-fer case. Only thing I know is a rebuild. In which case you might as well do the tranny too. I want to see what the more experienced 4X4 guys say, but I heard that the tranny & T-Fer were the weak links after the front hubs? Time to upgrade?

------------------
Rob Robertson
94 XLT 4X4 4 door
"It's an Explorer Thing, you wouldn't understand"

 

[TPLYNCH]

VC,

You may want to try the maintenance suggestions for the T/C at the following site: Dead Link Removed Since you said the 4x4 wasn't used much, it may need some TLC to make up for lack of use.

Good luck!

Tom