4wd wont' stay engaged

truckabuser · 11-17-2008, 04:49 AM

1996 z71 4wd. transfercase with floor pull...

discovered the otherday my 4wd wasn't working. needed to go forward/backward quite a few times before it would engage.

when it was 1/2 engaged, it would make a ratcheting sound, when the rear wheels were spinning and the front were not engaged, turning, but not matching speeds..when front and rear axles turned and turned until they matched speeds, ching ching ching ching ching ching....CLUNK and it's in gear fully. like the dog gears are hittng and spinning, then finally locking....then go forward, alright, as soon as i go in reverse, go back into forward, lost drive to the front axle again... wtf?

i've gone through 3 acutators. think something is tore up inside the axle?

don't they make a good heavy duty actuator that snaps into place quickly and firmly? or one that doesn't overheat and fry itself?

leolkfrm · 11-17-2008, 06:09 AM

they make a manual system...4x4 Posi-Lok - 4WD Engagement Systems ...are you sure you are buying the correct actuator? I found on my 92 there were 3 different one that fit. Mine needed the heavy duty, which was a little bigger diameter, but the smaller ones worked, for a while. I also put a switch on the floor mount, I found the roller switch on the tranny would act up and not always engage. (just a rocker switch w/light)

truckabuser · 11-17-2008, 10:44 AM

hmmmm, so in theory, i could engage the transfer case but not the axle, so i could have low range to the rear axle only? might be worth my efforts.....

but then again, could i have damage inside from the acutator engaging 1/2 time?

i'd hate to buy all this new stuff and have it fix nothing if something else is tore up.

leolkfrm · 11-17-2008, 03:47 PM

Drain the lube out of the front axle and see whats in it!

11-17-2008, 04:49 AM	#1
truckabuser Full Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 24	4wd wont' stay engaged 1996 z71 4wd. transfercase with floor pull... discovered the otherday my 4wd wasn't working. needed to go forward/backward quite a few times before it would engage. when it was 1/2 engaged, it would make a ratcheting sound, when the rear wheels were spinning and the front were not engaged, turning, but not matching speeds..when front and rear axles turned and turned until they matched speeds, ching ching ching ching ching ching....CLUNK and it's in gear fully. like the dog gears are hittng and spinning, then finally locking....then go forward, alright, as soon as i go in reverse, go back into forward, lost drive to the front axle again... wtf? i've gone through 3 acutators. think something is tore up inside the axle? don't they make a good heavy duty actuator that snaps into place quickly and firmly? or one that doesn't overheat and fry itself?

11-17-2008, 06:09 AM	#2
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 4,300	they make a manual system...4x4 Posi-Lok - 4WD Engagement Systems ...are you sure you are buying the correct actuator? I found on my 92 there were 3 different one that fit. Mine needed the heavy duty, which was a little bigger diameter, but the smaller ones worked, for a while. I also put a switch on the floor mount, I found the roller switch on the tranny would act up and not always engage. (just a rocker switch w/light) __________________ 4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul B.W.A.I

11-17-2008, 03:47 PM	#4
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 4,300	Drain the lube out of the front axle and see whats in it! __________________ 4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul B.W.A.I

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
92 Chevy s-10 Dosent want to stay running	bonzikodey	Chevy Truck Forum	8	07-17-2008 01:27 PM
83 gmc not wanting to stay running well cold	joeydeherrera54	GMC Truck Forum	2	04-13-2007 06:46 AM
Truck will start but wont stay running	PickUpGirl787	Chevy Truck Forum	6	12-29-2006 11:08 AM
Truck loses breaks when I engaged 4wd?	dayved	Chevy Truck Forum	2	12-10-2005 03:57 PM

11-17-2008, 10:44 AM	#3
truckabuser Full Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 24	hmmmm, so in theory, i could engage the transfer case but not the axle, so i could have low range to the rear axle only? might be worth my efforts..... but then again, could i have damage inside from the acutator engaging 1/2 time? i'd hate to buy all this new stuff and have it fix nothing if something else is tore up.