trouble while in 4wd

[jasonkimba]

Hello my name is Jason and am the proud owner of an 86 k5, 350, automatic, MANUAL HUBS...No lift...yet.

I need some advice on the 4x4 system...

When I am in 4 high, the truck does not drive too smoothly. It almost feels like one of the front wheels is binding. And yes I have tried this on a trail... There is also a severe pull to the right steerage wise while in 4 high. These problems are only magnified in 4 low.

Should I only engage the 4wd when stuck?

Also, it does not want to shift into 4 wheel drive while moving, even 5 mph.

Any ideas what the problem might be???

A thanx for any input..

J

 

[az84chevy]

Sounds like one of the hubs is bad.

 

[pauly383]

Beside a bad hub or broken axle .

When are you trying to put in 4wd while moving ?

You are only able to put it into 4 high while moving at lower speeds , and back to 2 high at same speeds .

4 low always requires stopping and grabbing neutral with the transmission first .

When things don't shift right under those normal situations , I would think linkage adjustment , or there is wear in the transfercase . Those years would more than likely be a np208 if stock , and they do wear out on the rangefork .

 

[BIG*RED]

When I am in 4 high, the truck does not drive too smoothly. It almost feels like one of the front wheels is binding.

like stated before sounds like it could be a bad hub...
all though i had on break on me while off road, and there was no, noticable diference in the way it handled or drove, i only knew it was busted because the tire wouldn't turn under power..the axle just turned, but not the tire

also just a thought..how long have you had this k5? it alomst sounds as if you might have different axle ratios between the front and rear.
DOCGAB here on this board had 3.73 in the front axle and 4.10 in the rear, and when he put it in 4 wheel drive..he said the front would hop and bind...we have since fixed that...

so look at your hubs..lock them in, and with your hands see if the axles spin (turn them by hand at the u-joints)
and check the gear ratios betwen the front and rear...

 

[jasonkimba]

trouble in 4wd

I only have tried to shift it in very low speeds. 0 - 10 mph. all I get is a grinding noise and vibration on the 4wd shift. as soon as i stop if shifts like butter, no prob.

 

[BIG*RED]

it sounds like mixed matched gears

i have thrown mine into 4hi at 30mph "like butter"...

 

[jasonkimba]

trouble in 4wd

Thanks for all of your wisdom..

I will try the broken hub test first, being the cheapest and easiest.

If is is a different gear ratio, how much of an MF is that to change?

Thanx for all of your replies guy..

J

 

[BIG*RED]

depending on you mechanical skills, it can be a big MF. or it can be quite easy..

if you haven't done it before..i reccomend taking it to a shop and having it done..

or you can just swap a whole axle if your lucky....say the front is 3.73 and rear is 4.10..you might be able to find a front axle with 4.10s in the junk yard for fairly cheap. then just repalce the whole thing

 

[jasonkimba]

the more i think about it..

The more i think about it, the more it seems like different gears are the culprit. That would be why it is less nticeable on soft sand, and almost impossible to drive on harder surfaces.

Thanks oldblaze,

Your 5 might end monts of my frustration.

 

[BIG*RED]

Your 5 might end monts of my frustration.

umm..my what?..lol

 

[jasonkimba]

5 min

Sorry for the typo....5 minutes, I meant.

J

 

[BIG*RED]

ahhh i see, said the blind man, to the deaf mute..