GM 10 Bolt Front - When Should Drive Shaft Spin Freely?

[Bohemian]

1982 K5 Blazer with stock GM 10 Bolt Front, Open Differential, Manual Locking Mile Marker Hubs. 28 Spline Axles. NP208, TH400.

I can spin the drive shaft by hand with front wheels off the ground.

Spinning either wheel while front axle, wheels are off ground turns drive shaft. With or without hubs locked.

I'm unable to turn driveshaft by hand with wheels on ground while hubs are unlocked or locked.

Is this expected or am I missing something obvious?

Thanks in advance.

IF this is in wrong forum, its because this is the only forum my account can post to at this time... Subtle hint moderators :-)

 

[jekquistk5]

Your hubs are not working properly. Probably need to be greased and serviced. Most hubs unlock when you go in reverse.

 

[campfire]

^^^ This. Your hubs are staying locked. An unlocked hub will spin freely like a trailer hub.

 

[70jimmy]

It's amazing the difference with some new bearings and races packed with new grease and installed properly makes.

 

[Bohemian]

Your hubs are not working properly. Probably need to be greased and serviced. Most hubs unlock when you go in reverse.

You called it...

The Yahoo I got truck from left out a spring & a snap ring out of each mile marker hub for some darn reason.

Once I ferreted that out, it was good to go.

Thanks again, it was acting like pinion bearing was seized up, it was just the hubs were fubar'd up.