Testing 4 wheel drive?
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Regina
Testing 4 wheel drive?
This may be a simple question, but:
I'm in the process of looking for a Big Bronco to use as a daily driver. Is there a way to find out if the 4wheel drive actually works in a truck? I've heard that front hubs/transfer cases can go bad but the vehicle still works in 2wd.
IS this a stupid question, or something that should be looked at when buying a truck?
I'm in the process of looking for a Big Bronco to use as a daily driver. Is there a way to find out if the 4wheel drive actually works in a truck? I've heard that front hubs/transfer cases can go bad but the vehicle still works in 2wd.
IS this a stupid question, or something that should be looked at when buying a truck?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: virginia
you can jack it up on all four corners and engage the 4wd and then see if the front wheels start to turn. or you can pull up onto some grass or gravel and try and do a 4wheel burnout. engage the truck and the pull forward to make shure the wheels are engaged. stop then step on the gas. you should be able to tell by the marks left in the ground.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
put it in 4wd in a gravel parking lot, cut the wheel, and go in a circle lightly on the gas, you should feel the tension of the front wheels pulling/jerking. or you can put in 4wd, jack it up, and try turning the front wheels. if you spin one and the other spins in other direction, the hubs are locking. have some one hold the other wheel, and try spining it then. If it wont spin, then the t case is engaging
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Welcome to FTE and the Big Bronco Forum. The folks here are putting good information out there for you.
Make certain that if you are going to check the operation of the 4WD that you engage the hubs if the truck is equipped with manual hubs. Manual hubs will have a dial at their centers to engage or disengage each front wheel. Autos will not have any such dial and SHOULD engage, well, automatically (funny how that works).
Make certain that if you are going to check the operation of the 4WD that you engage the hubs if the truck is equipped with manual hubs. Manual hubs will have a dial at their centers to engage or disengage each front wheel. Autos will not have any such dial and SHOULD engage, well, automatically (funny how that works).
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
What year are you looking for?
Make sure you look for a Bronco that is good shape and not abused, since this will be a daily. I am sure the truck will have a functioning 4x system (we are talking about Broncos, right?) Make sure you check the critical areas too.
I prefer Manual - hubs, trannys and transfer cases "less to go wrong".
go for a 351 too
Then again who needs 4 wheel drive?
Nah, keep us posted on the seach, and check ebay, etc for going/sold prices.
So you can keep in the ballpark for purchase price.
Have fun.
Make sure you look for a Bronco that is good shape and not abused, since this will be a daily. I am sure the truck will have a functioning 4x system (we are talking about Broncos, right?) Make sure you check the critical areas too.
I prefer Manual - hubs, trannys and transfer cases "less to go wrong".
go for a 351 too
Then again who needs 4 wheel drive?
Nah, keep us posted on the seach, and check ebay, etc for going/sold prices.
So you can keep in the ballpark for purchase price.
Have fun.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Regina
Thanks for all the tips. I'd like the truck to be a bit of a project, not necessarily a prisitne vehicle, but I do want the major stuff to work right. I'm a mustang guy, never owned a 4x4 before, so I had no idea how to check out something like that.
Hopefully I'll find something soon.
Hopefully I'll find something soon.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
So you like FORD "Horses"?
I am a 4x4 guy, I don't have a Stang yet!
You will get hooked into 4x stuff.
Just like you will be hooked into FTE.
Welcome.
I am a 4x4 guy, I don't have a Stang yet!
You will get hooked into 4x stuff.
Just like you will be hooked into FTE.
Welcome.
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Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 0
From: South Ga
I like Horses....., drove my mustang Fri night, most of the time I drive a bronco - when 4x4 gets in your blood, well it's a long story..good luck on your find
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