'93 3500 - no 4x4

[hillbilly deluxe]

I got this one ton extended cab Silverado a while ago. It's a dualie and a manual with a 6.5 TD. It won't go into 4x4. I don't know anything about this newer truck. The transfer case lever is smooth and there don't seem to be any locking hubs (chrome hubcaps). I hear the transfer case may have some kind of electric actuator, and the front axles have some kind of interlock. I would like to fix it since I have a few trips over the moiuntains to make here soon (Vail pass was calling for chains for comm. vehicles yesterday).

Would anybody care to give me a run down on how this new fangled thing works?

 

[sweetk30]

turn truck off with tcase ingauged. go under the truck and try and turn front shaft.

locked or free. ? if locked next will be front axle acuator. threads in to the pass side diff tube. moves the fork in or out to lock in the axle shaft so 4x4 works.

these comonly go bad and need replaced. new unit is a bit pricey. but if you are someone who likes mech linkage stuff or man lockout hubs then go get a posi lock kit.

also check for blown fuses this can happen.

 

[hillbilly deluxe]

The shaft is locked. Fuse is not blown. So now it is on to the front axle actuator. Any way to see if this thing works? There is also some kind of switch on the t-case. I am going to try and pull the actuator and see if it does anything when shifted into 4x4.

 

[hillbilly deluxe]

Pulled the actuator, applied 12v, it warms but doesn't extend. It looks original. There's gotta be some way to rig it to work.

 

[sweetk30]

its shot. the gases have leaked out. new or posi lock it.

 

[coloradoblazers]

you should be able to get a used unit for pretty cheap- around $25.

 

[hillbilly deluxe]

I forced the actuator out, then re-installed it. Seemed to do the trick. I don't want to blow too much money on this truck since I bought it for an engine donor for my Sub.

Where's a used one for $25? The new one at Napa today was $125! I'd be happy to spend $25.

 

[coloradoblazers]

check junk yards and ebay. I have one for a 1500, but I dont know if it would fit yours....