Open diff or positrac diff… confusion…

[Bronco_007]

I’ve read the simplest way to test out if I have an open diff or positrac is by spinning one wheel and watching if the other goes in the same or opposite direction.

Did this yesterday. My 9” rear is open; opposite spin.

The Dana 44 up front picked a third option. The opposite wheel didn’t spin at all. When I locked the hubs, I saw the axle turn, but the opposite wheel remained stationary. Hubs unlocked, and the axle stayed put, along with the opposite wheel. Is this an option that also equals an open diff, or maybe a blown diff…? Hahaha!

Please forgive my ignorance in advance! Thank you all!!

 

[Oldtimer]

Unless the front drive shaft was turning?
Put transfer case into 4H or 4L.

 

[Broncobowsher]

As pointed out, you didn't lock the front driveshaft (put in 4WD) so it turned first.
Or you have broken parts and don't have functional 4WD.

 

[Rustytruck]

Put the shifter in 4wd lock the hubs. Lift the front tires off the ground then see if you turn a tire by hand and see wich way the other turns same direction traction aided oppsite direction no traction aid.

 

[jamesroney]

I’ve read the simplest way to test out if I have an open diff or positrac is by spinning one wheel and watching if the other goes in the same or opposite direction.

Did this yesterday. My 9” rear is open; opposite spin.

The Dana 44 up front picked a third option. The opposite wheel didn’t spin at all. When I locked the hubs, I saw the axle turn, but the opposite wheel remained stationary. Hubs unlocked, and the axle stayed put, along with the opposite wheel. Is this an option that also equals an open diff, or maybe a blown diff…? Hahaha!

Please forgive my ignorance in advance! Thank you all!!

Assuming that it isn't broken...your front 44 is open.

If you arrest the driveshaft, the opposite wheel would rotate backwards. Since it didn't rotate at all...then the torque bias between left and right was not adequate to overcome the drag on the opposite wheel. (brakes, bearings, etc...)

Regardless of further diagnosis, the torque bias is so low that if it had a limited slip differential...it's acting like an open diff.

 

[Bronco_007]

Thank you all. Love this forum.