4X4 how is front diff engaged??????
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Texas
4X4 how is front diff engaged??????
97 f150 4X4 floor shifter auto. 4WD will not engage. Checked front drive shaft, it engages so it's good. Checked vacuum on front differential, it's good. My question is, when the pin on the front end is moved, what takes place inside the front differential to lock the front end together. I understand this is a center axle disconnect system, but how or what happens inside. I believe whatever locks the axles together is my problem. What do I need to replace to make it work again? Thanks....
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
There is a shift fork that wears out quite often that can cause it to not lock or unlock. The vacuum servo moves the shift fork which slides a splined collar to lock the outer axle to the inner piece.
To get at it you have to remove the front diff assembly and then the axle tube.
It's not really all that difficult to do but having a shop manual would be a good idea.
To get at it you have to remove the front diff assembly and then the axle tube.
It's not really all that difficult to do but having a shop manual would be a good idea.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Central Michigan
I had a simular problem with my 97. My problem was that the switch on the transfer case would not ground. I put in a new switch, tried grounding the case to the frame and eventually I just hooked a double throw, double pole switch on the dash board and now I just flick the switch when I need to put it into four wheel drive. Just make sure you shift and flick at the same time or do so when at a complete stop because mine clunks or sounds like trying to engage a manual transmission without synchros.
