front axel help

[spankies]

hey there all. I have a question about my 94's front axle ... I bought it over a year ago and still have mixed feelings about the vehical. My problem is the 4x4 does not work... I have read a lot of posts in here about the drive motor (checked it) and the auto hubs. I know the transfer case is engaging because with all 4 wheels up off the ground, the front drive shaft is engaged by the transfer case when I hit the 4x4 button. I know the hubs work cause I can reach up on the drivers side of the front axle and turn the shaft and it locks the hub in. is there a chance something is wrong in the front differential? is there another switch on the front diff. like there was on my s10 blazer?
the 4x4 has not worked since I bought it a year ago. also I bought it from my brother and it never worked for him either. what am I missing here?

 

[jd4242]

How about the passenger side?you said you spun the drivers side and it locked,if both dont lock you go no where.

 

[spankies]

yep check both of them... they both lock and unlock correctly.... and the front driveshaft is locked in at the transfer case when in 4x4 and free when out... its like there are not gears in the front diff to connect the 3 shafts...

 

[jd4242]

Yep sounds like you need to crack it open.mybe good time to throw gears in if you have bigger tires

 

[spankies]

nope just running the stock wheels and tires for now.... not sure if I'm even gonna keep it.