4-wheel drive not engaging.

[pipeline010]

took the truck out on the beach (nice day finally) and dug a hole.

done this tons of times, so not the usual operator error (hubs locked, shifter in place).

30tT manual, T-shifter, stock hubs

backstory - first time on beach this season, last season I had to fight the shifter quite a bit to get it into the 4HI position. This time, it slid very easily into the "right spot." I assumed all fine until I stopped the truck on a flat spot; tried to get moving again and dug a hole, rear only.

luckily gave her enough rpms to get out (beach here is total porridge) and charged her back through the real soft stuff and back to the road. So she's at home, but ashamed of herself.

tips? thanks!

 

[pipeline010]

more intel:

t-case in neutral, hubs locked:
front driveshaft spins freely.

conclusion?:
my hubs aren't locking because they're boned....

OR?

it definitely sounds and feels like the 4wd is engaged. my wife wont lay on the concrete and let me drive over her to see if the front shaft is spinning cause shes being selfish.

 

[JSBX]

With the engine running and transmission ln 1st ease out on the clutch until it start to move. Then try to bump the TC shifter into gear.

 

[pipeline010]

further intel and tests:

2WD on t-case, hubs unlocked:
front driveshaft spins freely, both front axles and ujoints spin freely on both sides.

2wd on t-case, hubs LOCKED:
front driveshaft spins freely, right front axle no spin, left front axle SPINS freely....
that's the same hub that looks like the PO or PPO turned it with pliers at some point, looks like hell..

to reiterate, though, I had NO front wheel support AT ALL when on the beach.

 

[SHX669]

Well if your hubs are TURNED to lock and you can still spin the front driveline then either the hubs aren't engaging {stuck - too much grease or rust- or they're broken} or something is amiss with your front ring and pinion or spider gears,

 

[pipeline010]

Well if your hubs are TURNED to lock and you can still spin the front driveline then either the hubs aren't engaging {stuck - too much grease or rust- or they're broken} or something is amiss with your front ring and pinion or spider gears,

with the hubs locked and the truck in 2wd on t-case the driveshaft SHOULDN'T be able to be turned if a hub is locked? it's my understanding that an open differential will only shut down the driveshaft if BOTH of the hubs are locking. I'm prety sure my left hub is crap.

is that correct?

the right side (the one where axle isn't turning when locked) is a bit 'clicky' sounding when driveshaft is spun. left side axle spins regardless of locked or unlocked hubs.

 

[nickgp]

I’m betting the linkage is not moving far enough to engage 4wd. Had a similar experience attempting to climb a rock hill. Made it half way up and got stuck. My spotter noticed the front wheels were not turning. After backing down( and being embarrassed with a Jeep crowd), I find that the shifter just needed a little extra push to engage the front end.

 

[pipeline010]

I’m betting the linkage is not moving far enough to engage 4wd. Had a similar experience attempting to climb a rock hill. Made it half way up and got stuck. My spotter noticed the front wheels were not turning. After backing down( and being embarrassed with a Jeep crowd), I find that the shifter just needed a little extra push to engage the front end.

I'm beginning to think you're right. I need to do a little pop clutching and rolling to get it to fully engage i bet. for now, though, I'm focused on the fact that my left hub doesn't seem to be locking properly.

so even if I slid this guy into proper 4wd HI I'd be rolling with only 3-wheel drive anyway...

 

[Seventee]

I'm beginning to think you're right. I need to do a little pop clutching and rolling to get it to fully engage i bet. for now, though, I'm focused on the fact that my left hub doesn't seem to be locking properly.

so even if I slid this guy into proper 4wd HI I'd be rolling with only 3-wheel drive anyway...

If your front is open, you won't even have 3 wheel drive. The axle shaft will simply spin on the side with the bum hub.

 

[pipeline010]

If your front is open, you won't even have 3 wheel drive. The axle shaft will simply spin on the side with the bum hub.

hah. was actually just about to respond with the same thing (after I thought about it).

I'm betting this is all being cause by a single bum hub.

 

[Nothing Special]

.... I'm betting this is all being cause by a single bum hub.

From what you've said, definitely one bad hub.

If the driveshaft and left axle spin with both hubs locked (which you said was the situation), then you definitely have a bad left hub.

If shifting the transfer case into 4WD stops the driveshaft (which you also said), then it's shifting into 4WD so it's not your linkage.

And yes, with an open diff and only one locked hub you won't drive either front tire. Open diffs send the same torque to both sides. Since it takes ~zero torque to turn the side that doesn't have the hub (actually) locked, then it sends the same ~zero torque to the other side and you get no drive from that axle.

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, I could be all wrong on this but don't the hubs become locked in when you remove the hub locking mechanism? Try that. Good luck

 

[Broncobowsher]

If the hub is locked but the shaft spins without spinning the tire, you have a bad lockout. Most of the parts in a hub are there to allow a disconnect. Just need to take it apart and figure whey they are not moving like they should. This is an area where too much grease is a bad thing. You want all the parts "wet" with grease but you don't pack any in there.

 

[DirtDonk]

Hi, I could be all wrong on this but don't the hubs become locked in when you remove the hub locking mechanism? Try that. Good luck

Partially correct. If they're stock early Spicer hubs then if you remove the outer knob then the inner spring will push out on the splined inner and lock the hubs.
On most aftermarket ones the opposite is true and removing the knob leaves them unlocked.

Paul

 

[Smedley]

Have you tried 4WD low?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Have you tried 4WD low?

No point, we already know there is an issue with a lockout.