4wd engagement (2)

[ArrowheadK5]

What happens, then, if the auto hubs are stuck/broken unlocked, and one tries to shift into 4wd? Would there be a ear-splitting squeal of tortured metal or would simply nothing happen?
I guess the same question applies if you were to try to shift into 4hi with the manual hub unlocked.

 

[DesertDueler]

Nothing happens. the front d-shaft will spin along with the axles, but not turn the front wheels.

 

[Panther]

If the hubs are unlocked (manual or broken autos), nothing happens. The front driveshaft will turn (because you've engaged the transfer case), the front ring and pinion will turn inside the diff (b/c it's bolted to the driveshaft), and the axle shafts will turn inside the axle tubes (because they're connected to the ring and pinion). But the wheels will not turn because the hubs are not connected (locked) to the axle shaft.

Conversely, if the hubs are locked and the transfer case isn't engaged, the rolling wheels (assuming you're moving) cause the hubs to turn (obviously), which cause the axle shafts to turn, which causes the R&P to turn, which causes the front driveshaft to turn. However, the transfer case is not connected to the driveshaft, so that's where it ends.

 

[ArrowheadK5]

This is good news, b/c a rusty 4x4 K5 is worth more than a rusty 4x2, and I still am looking for an excuse to keep it. /forums/images/icons/wink.gifThanks guys.