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Old Aug 13, 2022 | 04:00 PM
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Question 2H Not Working

When I unlock the hubs and shift from 4H to 2H, the truck won't move. Drift shaft spins, but wheels don't. 4H works fine. Any ideas?

79 F-150 300 inline, 4 speed manual
 
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Old Aug 13, 2022 | 04:27 PM
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If the rear driveshaft turns but the wheels don't you have a problem in the axle.

If you can drive in 4H with the hubs in but not out then you're running on the front axle only.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2022 | 05:41 PM
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When you say the driveshaft spins, are you talking about the front driveshaft or the rear? Are you talking about while you’re driving, or by hand?
Does the shift **** on the transfer case happen to mention LOC or LOCK by any chance?
 
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Old Aug 13, 2022 | 05:43 PM
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Even without the shift pattern confirmation, you might want to post up a picture of your transfer case so that we can take a look at it.
If it was originally an NP 203 part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case, that might explain a few things.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2022 | 06:56 PM
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Thanks for all the help. The rear driveshaft turns by the engine in 2H,4H,or 4L. The truck doesn't move in 2H.
The 4wd shifter is 4L N 2H 4H.
I'll post a photo of the transfer case.



 

Last edited by 79Fuzzie; Aug 13, 2022 at 07:03 PM.
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Old Aug 13, 2022 | 10:52 PM
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Does the rig move when the driveshaft turns ? I'm not sure what you're saying.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2022 | 11:45 PM
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That sounds bad so far.
And that is an NP205 part-time transfer case it looks like from here, so that matches the pattern on your shift ****.
Also not a good sign…

I think what you’re saying is that it doesn’t go anywhere unless you put it in four-wheel-drive and lock the hubs. Correct?
In that case it sounds like something is busted in your rear differential.
While you’re watching the rear driveshaft spin, are you sure there are no unusual noises or goings-on? If not then maybe it’s a simple as a snapped axle shaft allowing the open differential to spin.
That would be the best case scenario in this situation I think.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2022 | 06:37 AM
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Originally Posted by 440 sixpack
Does the rig move when the driveshaft turns ? I'm not sure what you're saying.
Not in 2H, and no noises.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2022 | 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 1TonBasecamp
That sounds bad so far.
And that is an NP205 part-time transfer case it looks like from here, so that matches the pattern on your shift ****.
Also not a good sign…

I think what you’re saying is that it doesn’t go anywhere unless you put it in four-wheel-drive and lock the hubs. Correct?
In that case it sounds like something is busted in your rear differential.
While you’re watching the rear driveshaft spin, are you sure there are no unusual noises or goings-on? If not then maybe it’s a simple as a snapped axle shaft allowing the open differential to spin.
That would be the best case scenario in this situation I think.
No noises coming from the rear. Snapped axle sounds pretty serious. Thanks! I'll try to tear it apart today.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2022 | 07:37 AM
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With the wheels blocked and the truck in gear or park can you turn the rear drive shaft by hand?
If not then the TFC and Trans id good (so far).

Now out of gear or neutral will the drive shaft turn by hand?
If so then yes something bad happened in the rear axle.
Time to pull the cover and do the test again to see what is moving and not moving.

If it looks ok put it back in gear / park raise 1 rear wheel off the ground and spin it what happens?
Do the same to the other side. If things spin that is good, no spin not good and the side with a broken axle.

BTW what are we working on besides a 4x4?
Dave ----
 
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Old Aug 14, 2022 | 08:17 AM
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A broken axle in a non-floating rear end like a 9" is usually pretty obvious. but you can start by pulling them because they have to come out to pull the center section anyway.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2022 | 09:31 AM
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Hey Fuzzie,
What were you doing when this problem started??
Pulling stumps, just driving, or just starting in the morning?
Sometimes, these answers will help in the guessing game as to what your problem could be.......
Alex
 
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Old Aug 14, 2022 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
With the wheels blocked and the truck in gear or park can you turn the rear drive shaft by hand?
If not then the TFC and Trans id good (so far).

Now out of gear or neutral will the drive shaft turn by hand?
If so then yes something bad happened in the rear axle.
Time to pull the cover and do the test again to see what is moving and not moving.

If it looks ok put it back in gear / park raise 1 rear wheel off the ground and spin it what happens?
Do the same to the other side. If things spin that is good, no spin not good and the side with a broken axle.

BTW what are we working on besides a 4x4?
Dave ----
Can't turn it by hand, other than 1/4 turn. With one wheel up, I can spin the wheel either way freely. With other wheel up, same thing.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2022 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Old Guy F-250
Hey Fuzzie,
What were you doing when this problem started??
Pulling stumps, just driving, or just starting in the morning?
Sometimes, these answers will help in the guessing game as to what your problem could be.......
Alex
Just teaching my son how to drive stick. It was in 4H. I just bought it; hadn't changed it to 2H. When I tried to change it in 2H, that's when it wouldn't move.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2022 | 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by 79Fuzzie
No noises coming from the rear. Snapped axle sounds pretty serious.
Not as bad as a busted differential.
Reason I said that would be your best case is because, generally speaking at least, axle shafts and new wheel bearings are relatively inexpensive, and also relatively easy to replace even in the driveway with minimal special tools.

Again though, as was asked for more specifics, cost and level of difficulty will depend upon which differential you have.
 
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