Stuck in 2wd

[Boone89K5]

While at the beach in my 1989 k5 only my rear wheels were turning in the sand. Doesn't matter if my transfer case is in 4H or 4L. The dash light is illuminated but only the rear wheels have power. Any suggestions for where to start would be greatly appreciated.

 

[readymix]

Front hubs engaged?

 

[Boone89K5]

Front hubs engaged?

Yes Sir they were

 

[diesel4me]

The hubs might "look" engaged ,but not coupling up inside--try jacking up each front wheel and with the hubs locked,insert a large screwdriver or pry bar in the axle u-joint so it cant turn,and see if you can spin the tire by hand..
If you cant ,then the hub is locking..if it has "automatic" hubs,those often fail to lock or release when they need too..

It might be inside the transfer case too,perhaps the shift fork isn't moving the part that engages 4wd ..

 

[Boone89K5]

The hubs might "look" engaged ,but not coupling up inside--try jacking up each front wheel and with the hubs locked,insert a large screwdriver or pry bar in the axle u-joint so it cant turn,and see if you can spin the tire by hand..
If you cant ,then the hub is locking..if it has "automatic" hubs,those often fail to lock or release when they need too..

It might be inside the transfer case too,perhaps the shift fork isn't moving the part that engages 4wd ..

Thanks I have manual hubs but I will try that out and see if they're "locked"

 

[diesel4me]

Another possibility is a front axle shaft broke,then the spider gears in the diff sends all the power to the side with least resistance..the one with the broken shaft...and it'll just spin the broken stub..

 

[6.2Blazer]

With an open diff you can have only one hub or axle shaft not working correctly and it will not transfer power to the other side. A couple quick checks is put it in 4wd and see if you can spin the front drive shaft by hand. If you can the transfer case is not engaging. If you can't spin it there is something in the front axle. Try locking and unlocking the hubs several times. If you haven't used them in awhile they can stick. Also if somebody packed them with grease they won't engage.

 

[Zeus33rd]

Have a look at the shifter linkage on the case too. It's been awhile since I looked at the shifter on a np241, but it is possible that some bit of the linkage broke. Does the shifter feel the same as it always has?

Put it 4 wheel drive on the beach and peel out. (don't get stuck :P ) Have someone watch to see if the front driveshaft spins. If it does, and the tires don't..axle problem. If it doesn't, transfercase problem.

 

[Boone89K5]

With an open diff you can have only one hub or axle shaft not working correctly and it will not transfer power to the other side. A couple quick checks is put it in 4wd and see if you can spin the front drive shaft by hand. If you can the transfer case is not engaging. If you can't spin it there is something in the front axle. Try locking and unlocking the hubs several times. If you haven't used them in awhile they can stick. Also if somebody packed them with grease they won't engage.

Sorry for delayed response but I took you guys advice and it appears the drivers side hub is the problem. When it is locked it does not spin the drive shaft or the axle. Thank you all for the help so far!