4x4 wont work! could it be the hubs?

[73CamperSpecial]

So I have 73 3/4 with one of those Dana 44s sporting huge hubs. I put the 205 in high or low, lock the hubs and no 4x4! The front driveshaft spins so dose that mean my hubs are bad? Debating a hub rebuild. Any advice would ne great!

 

[USSkoval]

Can you see the front axle shafts turn too? If so, sounds like the hubs aren't locking in.

 

[FatHarryPotter]

pull the hub cap only a couple of screws and inspect. Odds are its the hubs anything else would make a disaterous noise.

 

[tRustyK5]

Some people overgrease the hubs on re-assembly, which makes them sticky and they don't want to engage. I'd just pull the hubs, clean, light coat of grease and re-assemble.

Rene

 

[73CamperSpecial]

So don't even worry about a rebuild kit? I have never done it before I figured there would be gaskets that would need replacement.

 

[Muddytazz]

No need for a rebuild kit, just take apart, look for anything bad (replace if any) clean, lightly grease and put back together.

 

[tRustyK5]

Should just be an 'O' ring at the outer cap. I've had to do this on the trail after not wheeling my truck for a while. Locked the hubs, but they didn't engage. Took em apart, cleaned some grime old grease off the parts, lightly lubed em up and re-assembled it. Worked awesome again. I'd say it was a 10 minute job, you don't have to go very deep.

Rene

 

[73CamperSpecial]

Well thank you all for the advice I pulled one hub off and it did not look good so I scrounged up some denero and got warn premium hubs on sale at 4wheel parts for $100!

 

[tRustyK5]

Those are nice. I have a set on my '90 right now (came with the 10/12 combo I bought for it). I really like the brass dials and 3/4 turn.

Rene

 

[6.2Blazer]

Quick and easy way to check the hubs is to jack the front tire off the ground and spin with the hub unlocked. The axleshaft/u-joint in the knuckle should not turn. Then just lock the hub in and spin the tire...the shaft should now turn.