'95 EB 4x4 not functional

[mythrenegade]

Facts: '95 Eddie Bauer, 4 Auto & 4 Low, 4x4 used frequently.

My 4x4 isn't working and nobody seems to know how to fix it... I was curious if any of you guys had any good ideas.

Here's the behavior: When I am in 4 Auto and I get the rear end to slip I get a sound like the whole front axel was on a three tooth gear and one tooth was missing. No drive to the front wheels, or at least not enough to get up a moderate hill...

In 4 low I get a similar sound but it seems like it works a bit. Not enough that I'm willing to drive it anywhere in 4x4 because I don't want to do anymore damage than has already been done.

I took it to a tranny shop and they said the transfer case was fine and that everything seemed ok, which is odd because it obviously is NOT ok, but at least they didn't charge me for the non-work...

Going to the ford dealer is out of the question. I know die hard ford fans who will not set foot in the local dealer for any reason. I've lived here four years and have never heard one single positive comment from anyone about this dealer, so I have never been. I don't need my own horror story...

I need my 4x4 fixed and no one seems to have any idea what to do with this thing. Any ideas what could be wrong? Where should I turn next?



Joel

 

[GaSouthern1]

Good to see you over here from the Pavement sucks site...I cant help you too much, but I am sure others will be glad too. I am sure you will really enjoy it here.

 

[khkiley]

Joel,

I might have the same problem you have.

I have a '96 EB. Two days ago with the first snowstorm of the season I turn on 4-Auto, and get a big crunching sound coming from up front, and the front wheels seem to be almost helping.

I haven't tore into it yet to find out what is wrong, but my brother, a mechanic, using my description over the phone, thinks there may not be enough vacuum available to engage the right front axle, causing the grinding.

maybe something to look into.

Kurt