4x4 movement issues.

[84 400]

Well since my brother has been driving he has mainly used the tahoe. Because both my brothers attend the local high school it is cheaper to have them drive together then it is to pay for the two bus passes. Anyways things have worked out all right but now that winter is coming my dad needs to put the Mazda (99 miata) up and does not want to rely on my brother to pick him up from the train. He is now looking for a cheap beater to drive to and from the train station and i didi some searching. My dad is opting to get a beater because our family deiced it would be better to have my brothers in the safer vehicle with air bags and the like. Don't worrie the tahoe is not my brothers vehicle just his transport too and from school.

Well I found a 77 k 10 on for 500 OBO. I have been wanting an old chevy to wheel and this just seems like a good way to get something we both want. It is an old beat up farm truck with a v8 4x4 stepside bed and is the lovely lime metalic green color which i actually like. This would not be a resto or project truck. Just something for my dad to drive to the train and be reliable. then come spring a mild lift and do some wheeling


Well before I go check it out here is the snag... when the truck was parked the owner shifted the T case into neutral. Now the truck will not move under its own power even tho the T case is shifting. It has an auto trans as well. I am not very frimilar with GM t cases and do not know which this truck has. I am guessing it is a chain drive NP unit??? IS this common issues? I have heard that sometimes dragging the truck forward can help it to re engauge. To me it sounds like the tranny went but this is all the info I have to go on.

Any help would be great. I plan to take a look at it sometime next week

[84 400]

oh and check out this dash pad looks good in the photo

Also it is full time 4x4 and 1/2 ton set up. 4 high, 4 low, N, 4 low loc and 4 high lock)

[72 CustomCamper]

The trans should be a turbo 350, and the transfer case is a new process 203. How long has the truck been sitting? It could be the trans has leaked the fluid out. If so it won't move. Check the trans fluid level, maybe it's just low...


Chuck

[Damien]

I agree with customcamper. That's usually the problem

[vern350]

had a 76 4x4 shortbox that had been sitting for along time. Wouldn't move at first and but after some fluid, things were ok. Haven't had a problem since.

[84 400]

yeah I was just guessing it was a fluid issue. I am hoping we get to check it out. May dad is a little more hesitant then me but if it is a strong runner..... Plus the guy told me he would take one of my lawn tractors in trade.

Thanks

[OLDCHEV4X4]

Man, I would snatch that up in a heartbeat. $500 for a 4x4 shortbed, that looks like it wasn't ever messed with, runs, is a deal in my book.
I agree with the trans leak idea.
I once bought a 71 Blazer for $300 because the guy thought the trans was toast. I put fluid in it and drove it on the trailer. He wasn't too happy, but a deal is a deal.

[vern350]

I got a good chuckle out of your story OLDCHEV4X4. My dad once bought a truck that wasn't running too good because of the wires not in the correct order. Switched them around and everthing was fine, truck was bought cheap as well. It could also be the torque converter as well? Maybe the pump it went while sitting. I had another truck sit for awhile and wouldn't move but the level was good. Pulled it out and the torque converter was bone dry.

[84 400]

YEah I am not sure how long it has sat. The truck has been off the road since 2000 but he said he trickel charge the batter and it was bale to start. So my guess is it was last moved around a few years ago. My dad is more interested in the thought that the guy would take my old garden tractor in trade. We already own 5 cars with only 2 that drive year round.

But back to the original intent of the post. this is a transmission not T case issue right??? And how might i go about diagnosing it? I figured I would check the trans dip stick and if it is low take the gamble that it is just low fluid.

thanks again

[Jtrux]

It would be at my house by now, walk up with 300 cash and trailer that sucker home. BTW, I agree with everyone else here, add some fluid.

[OLDCHEV4X4]

Look to see if there is a old puddle of trans fluid on the ground.

[og350]

i had a np203 i a truck for a while and it had front locking hubs and with them unlocked it would only move in 4 low loc. but i am guessing yours has non unlocking hubs but just in case check to make sure they are locked. i would agree to talking him down and pull it home!!