4WD Front Axle
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2003
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4WD Front Axle
So I've finally got the ESOF vacuum hubs on my '02 4WD Excursion working, and I'm checking the front wheel portion of the drive train to make sure everything's working properly. I'm not too clear on how differentials work, so I just want to check to see if what I'm seeing is normal.
With the system set to 2WD, when I rotate the front drive shaft by hand, it turns easily, but I only see the left side half-shaft turning with it. If I try to rotate the right side half-shaft by turning the U-joint in the steering knuckle, it only turns maybe 10 degrees back and forth. I can see the left side half-shaft turning the same amount and in the opposite direction. Is this normal for an axle like this? The front axle has an open differential.
With the system set to 2WD, when I rotate the front drive shaft by hand, it turns easily, but I only see the left side half-shaft turning with it. If I try to rotate the right side half-shaft by turning the U-joint in the steering knuckle, it only turns maybe 10 degrees back and forth. I can see the left side half-shaft turning the same amount and in the opposite direction. Is this normal for an axle like this? The front axle has an open differential.
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Joined: Jul 2014
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Sounds normal. If you rotate the front driveshaft by hand again with the left side tire being held or on the ground and the right side tire free to spin, you will see the right side turn. The power from the driveshaft will go to the side with the least resistance.
If both tires are off the ground and you spin one tire forward, the other side will spin backward on an open diff. If there is a limited slip or full locker in the diff, then they will both spin the same direction.
If both tires are off the ground and you spin one tire forward, the other side will spin backward on an open diff. If there is a limited slip or full locker in the diff, then they will both spin the same direction.
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madscientist
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
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Feb 1, 2011 01:02 PM
