Front drive binding

[ilovemaui]

I have '74 with D20 and C4. The other day when I tried to lock in the front the diff the front wheels were binding. The rear tires turn but the front wheels would not rotate. To test a few things I removed the front drive shaft and put the tcase in low with the rear end off the ground and the tcase is turning. I jacked up the front end and locked in the hubs and I can turn the wheels by hand and I can turn the driveshaft no problem. Put it back together and the same thing, the front wheels keep binding. Looking for suggestions.

I have a 3.5" lift with extended front drive shaft from Tom's.

 

[bluesbish]

what do you mean by the front wheels were binding? how long have you had this bronco? do you know if the front and rear axle gear ratios match?

 

[ilovemaui]

what do you mean by the front wheels were binding? how long have you had this bronco? do you know if the front and rear axle gear ratios match?

I've had it for about 2.5 years and it worked last time I time I used the four wheel drive one year ago. I can only assume the gear ratios match.

 

[ol gray mare]

It is possible to turn the wheels without moving the ring gear (spider gears spin) on an open diff. Does the input yoke on the pinion spin when the wheels are turning? Do the wheels both spin in the same direction?

 

[ilovemaui]

The wheels spin in opposite directions when the hubs are locked. When unlocked only one wheel turns. If I turn the yoke the wheels turn in opposite direction. The yoke turns when the hubs are locked in.

 

[brianstrange]

Make sure your 4WD shifter is engaging properly. Rear in 4 hi, and front in 4 lo would cause this.

Another possibility......I had a similar issue that turned out to be a bad brake master, and power booster. It may be a longshot, but disconnect your booster line and block it. If the problem goes away, that's the issue.

 

[Tmasnado]

Front binding

Curious if you diagnosed the front bind issue. I have similar problem as well. Lock hubs, 4 Lo/Hi drive straight and tires actually chirp/bind. I know that pavement isn't recommended, but I shouldn't have to literally fight the front end. 72 wagon, 3 on tree, stock.

Pulled Dana 44 cover (hoping PO had switched ring/pinion), but have a 46/13 -3.54 (+/-?). ASSUMING the build sheet and rear end match, it has a 3.50 (didn't check rear when open).

Is it possible a PO changed gears in the Dana 20 for a "lower front drive"?

What might I be missing? Thank you in advance!

 

[ilovemaui]

I ended up replacing the d20 with a rebuilt. The front shift shaft was screwed up. Appears to have fixed the problem but now the front pinion seal is leaking pretty bad. It's always something.

 

[bmc69]

Curious if you diagnosed the front bind issue. I have similar problem as well. Lock hubs, 4 Lo/Hi drive straight and tires actually chirp/bind. I know that pavement isn't recommended, but I shouldn't have to literally fight the front end. 72 wagon, 3 on tree, stock.!

Actually..on dry pavement you do..untill something breaks. And something will break.

 

[Tmasnado]

Actually..on dry pavement you do..untill something breaks. And something will break.

Thanks for the input regarding the bind issue. When I say bind, I mean BIND! The tire actually leaves a mark, then rolls a bit, then a mark. I am actually hoping that this may be more excessive than normal.

I have pulled D44 cover, confirmed gear ratio, gears are in excellent shape, no shavings, u joints look good. When purchased, PO's hubs were trashed.
I have not explored the D20.

Any more input?

Thank you

 

[Explorer]

Never engage 4x4 with hubs engaged on dry pavement. Plain and simple. Our Bronco's are using 35+ year old technology.

 

[Tmasnado]

Noted!

I appreciate it!

 

[BroncoDawg]

For testing, no harm whatsover to engage and roll on asphalt PROVIDED you don't turn the wheel from straight. Sounds to me like the problem is a twin stick with rear in high and front in low or vice versa. What else could make it skid like that and OP stated he is rusty at shifting it.
Do you have a twin stick (two shifters for transfer case)?

 

[Tmasnado]

Unfortunately, I do not. I know that the D20 will bind, but this seems excessive. It makes an awful sound but not a u joint "clank". I had someone suggest that PO might have installed different half shaft with wrong spline (maybe 28 on one side 32 on the other?)... but I would have no idea if that is possible at all. I would think I could "test" on dry/wet pavement and not have this much bind, but as was said earlier... these are 40+ year old vehicles with same technology. I can lock in and run through pasture with no sound at all... i.e. seems normal. Tires are Goodyear 32 11.5 15, obviously not original.

Thanks for input, I really do appreciate it!

 

[bad 68]

Sounds like problem solved. Stay off of dry pavement with the hubs locked in, Tcase in 4wd.