Hey all! I've got a problem. Looking at getting a new truck it's a 95 f150. 302 with a 5speed. Trucks awsome just one problem. TrucKS been sitting for about two years and only driven about once a month when put in 4x4 the whole front end locks up. When 4x4 is turned off front end is still locked up and you have to back up and go fonward and back and forth again until it finaly breaks free and the it's fine in 2x4. Could the diff just need a fluid change because of how long it's sat? What could be the problem. It's Manuel hubs Manuel 4x4 lever on the floor. Thanks!

 

I would start by getting all 4 wheels off of the ground with some jack stands. Then get under the truck in the area of the front drive shaft. With the transfer case in 2wd or neutral and the hubs unlocked, you should be able to spin the drive shaft by hand. If not, unbolt the drive shaft and remove it from the truck. Be careful that the u joints don't fall apart. Reach up and try to rotate the output yoke on the transfer case, it should rotate by hand. If it does, then move to the front axle. You might be able to rotate the front axle yoke by hand but it will be difficult. But you should be able to feel a little movement that is the gear backlash. If the problem is in the front axle, you can lock the hubs and try to rotate the tires. If the diff is working, rotating one tire should rotate the other in the opposite direction. Unless the carrier assembly has been modified, the only way to drain the front axle fluid is to loosen the assembly from the beam.