No drive to front wheels in 4x4

[Pluckaduck]

Hey fellas, new member, first post.
so i dont have any drive to the front wheels when in either 4H or 4L.
not sure why, the wheels seem to be locked in place when the hubs are locked in, as if the breaks are on, the backs spin and try moving but the fronts wont spin at all.

 

[vicszd30]

weird indeed ! does it turn freely by hand when in 2h ?

 

[bods]

What does it do with just the hubs locked but the transfer case in 2h?

 

[Pluckaduck]

yer no drama at all in 2 wheel.
both cvs are fine also.

 

[Pluckaduck]

pretty sure its stuck.
if it gets stuck with the hubs in, then unlock and even change back to 2 wheel it stays stuck until i manage to get the tires to turn.

i got told just before that it possibly needs a new diff.
the oil level os low in the transfer case.
leaky seal and ive bot had a chance to replace it yet

 

[bods]

It could be a diff backlash adjustment issue. Could also be bearings that lock up when a drive load is applied. You won't really know til you rip it out...

Could also be the transfer chain. If it is stretched it can cause all sorts of problems.

 

[Pluckaduck]

only way to check is to open her up?
whats to look for?

 

[vicszd30]

I have a standard centre if you need it- I can bring it with me if you wish... never used!

 

[vicszd30]

with out the hubs locked in it should turn freely..

 

[Old.Tony]

I'd jack the FRONT of the car up, place it on stands (back wheels on the ground, handbrake on) and do the following:

1) Turn ONE of the front wheels in 2HI. With both hubs locked, the other front wheel should turn the opposite way. If it doesn't, your hub locks, CVs, axles or diff need attention.

2) Still in 2HI with both hubs locked, crawl underneath (only if you have used stands) and turn the prop shaft either way. Both wheels should react. If not (and the hub locks etc are ok) the pinion gear in the diff may be suspect.

3) In 4WD (doesn't matter 4HI/4LO) with the hubs locked, turn the prop shaft. You shouldn't be able to - if you can, the transfer case isn't engaging the front shaft. This could be transfer chain failed, or the engaging gear has worn/broken.