Front wheels lock and sometimes force steerinf wheel to forward when turning

[Dk133333]

So i am a little new and this is my first truck without manual locking hubs. I have a bone stock 86 base 4x4 standard 5sp. When driving in 2wd and making turns it feels like one or both front hubs are randomly locking or unlocking and jerking my wheel straight. But its inconsistant and doesnt always happens. Is there a way to check the lockers? Any specific process? Or does this sound like something else?

 

Any help or even pointing towards another post on here answering this would be awesome.

[Eagle]

You don't have lockers, unless they were added by a previous owner. However, what transfer case do you have? (Look over the driver's side sun visor -- does it say "Command Trac" or SelecTrac"?

[1stDeuce]

If your axle has a "growth" in the right axle tube with some vacuum lines, that's the axle disconnect, which is in lieu of locking hubs.   In 2wd, see if you can turn the front driveshaft by hand.  If you can, then it's likely that the axle u-joints are rusted, binding up, and need to be replaced.  If you keep driving it like that, they'll loosen up, but they're toast if they're that rusted. 

 

If you can't turn the driveshaft by hand, and you have an axle with the disconnect in the right tube, then it's likely your truck is actually still in 4wd...  You may need to adjust the shift linkage for the t-case, and possibly replace the vacuum switch in the top of the t-case that runs the CAD.  (The switch gets rusty inside with age and will stick, leaving the disconnect... connected.   :)

 

If your axle doesn't have the growth, then you have a full time t-case. (Selec-trac)  Hmm...  I think the '86's were different than the selec-trac in '87-up...  They may have even used a disconnect like the part time (Command Trac).   I think they were vacuum shifted via a little flip lever, or something like that...  

 

Well, just for posterity, the later selec-trac t-cases often would "stick" in 4wd lock mode, which induces binding and steering feedback until it finally releases...   Change the fluid for starters, as it's probably nasty.  Turning slightly and going forward and reverse ~10' will usually get it to shift out of 4wd it in a few passes.

 

Good luck!