4x4 problem. Highboy.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 469
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From: Bancroft, MI
4x4 problem. Highboy.
Hi guys, Ive got another issue. I finally have time to look into this....While playing around in the snow this winter I had my truck in 4hi and had a loud POP or PING! 4x4 hasn't worked since. What would you guys check for first?
Also my truck is registered as a 78 due to the body. The chassis was identified as a 73 or 74.
Thanks.
Also my truck is registered as a 78 due to the body. The chassis was identified as a 73 or 74.
Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 42
From: Michigan
I am assuming you have checked the obvious first. Drive shaft, u-joints, lockout hubs, checked for broken axle shaft. Does transfercase shifter still move. Need more info to trouble shoot. Could be internal in transfercase.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bancroft, MI
I haven't checked anything other than a quick visual of the driveline and u-joints. How would I check the lockouts and axle shafts? When it happened I would have said the noise came from just under the shifter but I'm not certain of that. The transfer case shifter still moves. Before I go looking into the transfer case I thought id try and rule some other stuff out. Would it be worth it to get the truck up off the ground and try and engage the 4 wheel drive to see if the drive line is turning? Or if the axle is turning? Or is there an easier way.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bancroft, MI
I'm not sure if its part time or full time. How can I tell? If the chain is broke...Is that a common issue or am I just lucky? :-/ Of course the next question would be how tuff is that to fix? Ill get the truck up this week and check the front end. Thanks guys. I'll update you on what I find or don't find.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bancroft, MI
So I went out today to check on a couple things. First thing was the u-joints. They are intact but look like I'll need to replace them soon. Next I grabbed the front driveline and tried to spin it. It does spin. That shouldn't be the case right? It makes me think that something's wrong in the front axle. Is that correct? All the wheels were on the ground the truck was in 2wd parked in gear. also check to see if there was a tag on the t-case and there was not. Also I went back out lock the hubs and still had the driveline spin. Sorry for all the edits....I went back out put the tc in 4l and 4hi and the driveline won't turn. 2hi it does. Should I open up the differential and check the gears? Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
With the hubs unlocked and the T-case in 2H the front driveshaft should spin by hand (it shouldn't spin in 4L or 4H).
If it still spins with the hubs locked then something is broken in the differential and/or hubs.
I'd pull the hubs and inspect for damage, if everything checks out there, pull the diff cover.
If it still spins with the hubs locked then something is broken in the differential and/or hubs.
I'd pull the hubs and inspect for damage, if everything checks out there, pull the diff cover.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bancroft, MI
Thanks. When I take the hubs apart what am I looking for. Broken gears? Should I buy any parts to replace while I'm in there? Do they have rebuild kits for these if there is something wrong. Sorry for all the questions. Im kind of new to the 4x4 scene. Never worked on hubs before.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Your truck's a '78 with a '73/'74 chassis so i'm not sure if you have external or internal locking hubs, so I linked the service manuals for both.
You're looking for any obvious broken parts.... gears, springs, cams, pins, rings, *****, etc.
http://www2.dana.com/pdf/5306-1.pdf
http://www2.dana.com/pdf/5305.pdf
You're looking for any obvious broken parts.... gears, springs, cams, pins, rings, *****, etc.
http://www2.dana.com/pdf/5306-1.pdf
http://www2.dana.com/pdf/5305.pdf
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bancroft, MI
Ok I've got the drivers side apart. No noticeable broken parts yet. I'm down to the spring retainer plate. Do I need to go any further? The axle shaft that I can see is very loose or sloppy. Is that normal? Or does this mean I need wheel bearings?
Update. Ive taken both sides apart. No problems. Im heading for the differential next.
Update. Ive taken both sides apart. No problems. Im heading for the differential next.