Four Wd Problems

[garoot]

My Comanche is a 88, 4.0, 5 speed. All vacuum lines were missing from the CAD. I did the procedure to lock the axles. My  problem is that in 4H, 4L the front differential is not engaging. Drove slowly with someone observing the front shaft and it is not turning. Looked at the shift linkage from underneath and it appears to be functioning when moved. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Bornindesert]

If the front (drive?) shaft is not turning while the truck in moving, the CAD is still disconnected. What happens here is one wheel, the right wheel is allowed to rotate freely and independent of the differential / driveshaft. The other wheel is driving the differential but because the inner passenger side is free to rotate, it rotates backwards. The degree of freedom allows the driveshaft to remain stationary. If the CAD is engaged, the drive shaft would turn as the truck rolls forward there is no option for it not to spin.

[Pete M]

[87Warrior]

Double check your CAD lock.

 

I initially did the lock by sliding the collar over and installing the actuator upside down. This worked for a while but then I lost 4wd. The actuator was so worn out the fork would freely slide side to side. I have since done the lock by removing the C-clip, sliding the collar over and reinstalling the C-clip. Hasn't failed me in a year!

[gogmorgo]

Are you saying your front driveshaft isn't turning while you're in 2wd or in 4wd? Cause even with an unlocked CAD, it should be turning in 4x4.

[garoot]

My Comanche is a 88, 4.0, 5 speed. All vacuum lines were missing from the CAD. I did the procedure to lock the axles. My  problem is that in 4H, 4L the front differential is not engaging. Drove slowly with someone observing the front shaft and it is not turning. Looked at the shift linkage from underneath and it appears to be functioning when moved. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I will re-check the CAD. When I removed the cover the collar was in the connect position. I flipped the plate and re-installed. With the tc in 4h or 4l going forward the front drive shaft would at times move a bit but not fully engaged.

[carnuck]

If you re-check the axle is properly engaged, then pull the front diff cover and see if the spider gears are busted. There is no other way (other than stripped pinion) that the driveshaft won't turn with the wheels.

[garoot]

Will do. Thanks

[Dadinator]

If your driveshaft isn't moving, then the problem is most likely the xfer case, not the axle.

 

I just replaced my xfer case and my axle is busted.  But my driveshaft turns when in 4x4.

 

I need an axle, but yours sounds like either the linkage isn't working or your transfer case has issues.

[carnuck]

If the axle is engaged and the vehicle is rolling, the driveshaft has no option but to turn unless something is wrong inside. Tcase in 4x4 should be making it spin as well.