Possible drive train bind???

[Cold78K5]

On my last off-road adventure I noticed that it was getting harder to drive my 78. On the way home it was a struggle to go up any kind of incline. Next day I checked the front and rear axle, transmission and transfer fluid thar were all full and looked brand new. Checked the brakes all the way around to make sure nothing was sticking and all was well. Didn't bottom out, hit anything or go crazy at all off-road. I don't know where to go from here. Anyone else had this problem or know a starting point? Newly rebuilt 350 4 bolt with 350 Turbo tranny 203 transfer. Small lift on 33s. Thanks for any help or thoughts!

 

[herkdriver007]

Something stuck in one of the brake drums causing them to drag?

 

[Cold78K5]

no thats what i thought too. pulled the drums off and replaced the shoes, springs and, both brake cylinders while double checking the e brake. old shoes were just worn out and figured while i was there...but they looked even. i double checked the motor as well and all is well and still new there lol. Im kinda stumped.

 

[dhcomp]

forget if the 203 is full time 4x4 or not.

If not, did you forget to unlock your hubs? or forget to take it out of 4 wheel drive?

 

[Cold78K5]

A friend was telling me that it might be the gears in the rear end but ive never been around when that has happened to anything. i would think that it would lock up or wouldnt move but i didnt hear anything right before this all happened. I was just creeping around, went backwards about 50 ft put it back in drive and it started...

 

[Cold78K5]

forget if the 203 is full time 4x4 or not.

If not, did you forget to unlock your hubs? or forget to take it out of 4 wheel drive?

it is full time 4x4 and its in "4x4-AWD" where it says to drive it on the road. If you put it in "N" it truly is neutral. There are no hubs to lock

 

[driney]

My 78 had Low Lock-Low-Neutral-High-High Lock. I don't remember 4X4-AWD. High was for dry pavement at highway speeds. If you were in either of the lock positions, you could really feel the drivetrain bind up when turning. Never noticed it so much when in a straight line. I was always careful to keep the tire sizes matched between the front and back though.