Well, I got stuck in some dry gravel...I was on my way out of school from where i parked...and when i went ahead and accelared...my rear tires sank. I thought...no problem, engage 4x4 and off we go. Well...not really. I turned it on, i saw the little light go on...put reverse...and the rear tires were spinning in place...but the front were not turning (I had my door open and i looked at my front tires) switched to LOW...and heard it grind in...reverse...NOTHING...so basically...after realizing...THIS SUCKS...I just kept going reverse and turning my rear wheels until i managed to get out....

What happened? Does 4x4 not work in reverse..is it just weak in reverse? Does my 4x4 not work and it just looks like it works and sounds like it works???

Also something worth noting. I went to the beach ones...put 4 low on my truck and went thought the sand...but my revs were coming down...like the truck was struggleing hardcore...the sand was not THAT bad...so i had to shift to 2nd with 4 low engaged...and it was still...kinda pushing...Ive taken my baby offroad and this was not the case at all....my truck would fly on sand....almost as if my 4x4 does not have power....

Any suggestion will be appreciated...sorry for making this long. TAKE CARE!!

 

Sounds like the transfer case is switching fine. The front differential is not engaging. It could be a vacuum line off/bad or the solenoid on the firewall is not switching to apply vacuum to the frontend.

 

You might try turning the switch to 4X4 and then crawl under the truck and wiggle the motor in the side of the front pumpkin. You may even hear a "snick" when it engages. I did this with the motor running so you need to use caution. Never had any trouble after that but I also make sure the 4X4 is engaged before I cross something questionable.

 

I had the same problem. It was, in fact, a vacuum leak. the hubs engage thru a vaccum system. My seals were leaking, a vac line was cracked, and the vacuum canister was cracked. I do not know how these problems arose, but the dealership fixed it. Oh, it happened last winter also.

 

this is some good info to know, i havent had a problem yet but i only imagine its a matter of time,
thanks for the heads up.

justin