Four wheel drive not working, front end does not spin

Tiny
MLONG98
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 140,000 MILES
I've had almost no problems with this rig, occasionally stubbornness to move the shifter into 4low, and if I'm bouncing around in 4hi it has a tendency to pop out of 4x4. Well anyway, after using my 4x4 flawlessly all day, I went to engage earlier and the front pumpkin isn't doing its job, I saw that the driveshaft were all spinning up until the front end. I don't know anything about these solid front end 4x4s, I'm use to the half axles with air actuators. All my fluids are full and clean just fyi. What would cause the front end to not engage when I made sure the hubs were engaged and the shifter was where it was supposed to be? It feels like the transfer case is fine, no issues engaging. Also my 4x4 light is on.
Saturday, April 10th, 2021 AT 7:13 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Can you clarify for me that the front drive shaft is spinning but the axles at the tires/wheels are not spinning? I attached the diagram below of the front axle. Is the front axle spinning at the red numbers? Please let me know if they are as you may have a locking hub issue.

Also, do you have manual hubs shown in the second attachments below?

Let us know and we can go from there. Thanks
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Sunday, April 11th, 2021 AT 4:16 PM
Tiny
MLONG98
  • MEMBER
  • 74 POSTS
I've verified the hubs are still locking. After putting in some effort I already figured out that my pinion gear and crown wheel are damaged. I originally posted the question before I had looked into it because I was in such a panic. I still find it extremely odd that that were no noises when the gears failed. I don't know how or when.
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Monday, April 12th, 2021 AT 4:24 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Thanks for the update. I would agree that it is odd that this didn't make any noises but I have seen some odd things in my time so I never refute damaged parts.

Thanks for the follow up and letting us know what you found. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Monday, April 12th, 2021 AT 7:08 PM

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