To Check Auto Hubs?

[coalkickin]

Is there any way to check auto hubs to see if there is a probelm? My 4WD is engaging...I can hear it, plus when I put it in 4L it is obvious that it has engaged, however it is not in 4wd. I posted about it a few days ago and got great feedback leading me to my auto hubs. My question is..Is there a way to test them to see if they are the problem before I go out and buy replacements, or worse...send it to the garage?? Thanks

 

[MrShorty]

1st thing I would do would be to get underneath (t-case in 2H), grab the front driveshaft and turn it by hand. You should only get a few turns at most before both hubs lock and you can't turn it any more.

 

[gsmaclean]

Put the truck in neutral 2WD and chock the rear wheels. Lift the front end up, both wheels.

1. Hold onto a front wheel so it can't turn, then turn the axle shaft forwards. It should turn 1/8 to 1/4 turn before it "locks" and will not turn without the wheel turning.

2. Hold onto the axle shaft so it can't turn, then turn the wheel forwards. It should unlock and spin freely without the shaft turning.

3. Hold onto the wheel so it can't turn, and turn the axle shaft backwards. It should turn 1/8 to 1/4 turn before it locks, and will not turn without the wheel turning.

4. Hold onto the axle shaft so that it can't turn, then turn the wheel backwards. It should unlock and spin freely without the shaft turning.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 for the other front wheel.