A few 4wd questions

[somebodyelse5]

just replaced my T-Case motor because my 4wd wasnt working, I know it is engaging because the front drive shaft is spinning, but im still getting stuck.

Do our Transfer Cases work like a limited slip? (rather than side to side, forward to back) I got stuck this weekend, twice, in snow/mud.
First time i got highstrung on my rear differential, back tires were 1.5" off the ground and spinning. 4wd should have gotten me out, correct? front tires did nothing.

Second time, got stuck in mud and had to get pulled out by a tacoma, front tires didnt spin in the mud.

Hubs are set correctly, and tired 4w hi and low. Any suggestions? What could the issue be? If front and rear wheels dont get equal power, whats the point?

[kylev90]

just because your front shaft is spinning doesnt mean you engaged. Sounds like your hubs are messed up

[Josh99]

I have the exact same problem. I have been getting stuck in places I shouldnt. The rear tires spin but nothing happens up front. And I got pulled out last time by a 4 runner I think I am going to switch over to warn hubs. I have also been debating finding some OEM replacements so I can have the auto hubs option. Please post if you figure anything out.

[somebodyelse5]

Originally Posted by kylev90

just because your front shaft is spinning doesnt mean you engaged. Sounds like your hubs are messed up

Ok, i was just assuming my hubs were good. Any simple way i could check them to be sure they are/aren't the problem? (besides the issue ive been dealing with)

[somebodyelse5]

Heres a bump. Looking into warn hubs.

[LHMissions]

Do your hubs have a Auto/Lock setting? Not sure on the year of your truck. Mine have the manual switchable hubs - setting for Auto and a manual setting for Lock.

The 4wd is actuated by an air line. Frequently that line develops a small pinhole leak and the 4wd wont engage even though the t-case says its engaged. You will sit and spin - as you found out.

If you can manually lock your hubs - do that - then on the dash switch to 4wd and your locked in.

If you dont have the auto/lock switchable hubs (I dont know any that dont - but could be schooled here) then dont know what to tell you.

A good indication if its an air leak - turn on your vent and it will switch to defrost regardless of your setting. Sounds unrelated but really is related in some weird way.

[Zaairman]

Originally Posted by LHMissions

A good indication if its an air leak - turn on your vent and it will switch to defrost regardless of your setting. Sounds unrelated but really is related in some weird way.

It's not a weird way... they're both run off the same vacuum system.

[Jonboywv12]

i had the exact same problem with mine, what was wrong was my baring were completly done with, as well as my hubs and u-joints that maybe some of your problem as well.

[somebodyelse5]

Originally Posted by LHMissions

Do your hubs have a Auto/Lock setting? Not sure on the year of your truck. Mine have the manual switchable hubs - setting for Auto and a manual setting for Lock.

The 4wd is actuated by an air line. Frequently that line develops a small pinhole leak and the 4wd wont engage even though the t-case says its engaged. You will sit and spin - as you found out.

If you can manually lock your hubs - do that - then on the dash switch to 4wd and your locked in.

If you dont have the auto/lock switchable hubs (I dont know any that dont - but could be schooled here) then dont know what to tell you.

A good indication if its an air leak - turn on your vent and it will switch to defrost regardless of your setting. Sounds unrelated but really is related in some weird way.

I have an air leak. Done this a few times and i had no idea what was going on. Showed my friend at ford and he had absolutely no idea what was going on.

Now, to fixing the problem.... how do i find/fix the whole? Replace all the lines?

[Zaairman]

Originally Posted by somebodyelse5

I have an air leak. Done this a few times and i had no idea what was going on. Showed my friend at ford and he had absolutely no idea what was going on.

Now, to fixing the problem.... how do i find/fix the whole? Replace all the lines?

Go "borrow" a vacuum tester (will be a handheld pump with a gauge) from an auto parts store. Start plugging it into things and testing. Plug it into your reservoir and check that. There are two lines coming from the reservoir. One goes towards the front of the truck for the hubs, and the other goes towards the cab for the HVAC. Check the line going towards the cab of the truck. It should hold vacuum until you turn the selector switch for your vents.