4x4 Problem

[ChevyKid1500]

Hello, I have a 1995 Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 truck, with a 305 5.0l V8 with a 5 speed transmission. I am having a problem with my four wheel drive. It has automatic hubs by the way. if i stop and put in 4 high, the lights wont come on show its in 4wd. if i put it in 4 low, the back locks in to the low gears, but the front ones will not pull. I have no idea of what it might be. any help would be greatly appreciated! ive tried everything shifting on the fly, backing up driving for a short distance to let the hubs lock in. it is so aggravating not to know what the problem is. Please help!! thank you so much in advance! ChevyKid1500 (Justin Roberts)

[trkklr77]

you dont have hubs to lock.




this is a insanely common problem, its you actuator on the axle housing. it ingages the axle half so they arnt spinning free. they go out very often and very sensitive to abuse.

you can go get a new one or get a manual lever that will guarrante it locks every time.

also check all of the vacume lines and wires to the transfer case and axle.

[special-K]

Dig you try to just wait awhile longer?They take forever to engage.I have 250,000 miles on my original actuator and it`s been that way since new.They need to "warm-up".

[RACINJASON22]

this is a insanely common problem, its you actuator on the axle housing.

I would say 99% One of The Generals (GM's) shortcomings in my opinion.

[1969 GMC]

Originally Posted by RACINJASON22

I would say 99% One of The Generals (GM's) shortcomings in my opinion.

Actually, I would broaden that one out to IFS in general. Shoulda kept the solid axles.

[CrashEd]

My 90 4x4 takes a while to lock in. If im stuck in two wheeldrive it takes even longer. I have to just ease it foward and backward. spining the back tires a little but it has always locked the front end.I figure if mine ever stops locking ill got to the cable setup for it that thay have now aftermarket.

[special-K]

I like a real truck and didn`t like the IFS idea.But,other than limiting off road modifications,it`s been a good thing for me.My`92 K3500 is like driving a car or 2wd 1/2t with it`s ride and handling(most time on the road).I bought it for work and work it did,and still is.It is rarely unloaded and what I`d consider empty would be about 8,000#net.I`ve only had to replace the idler arm ever 80,000 miles.At nearly 250,000,I think I`m on my 4th...original ball joints,axle CVs,boots,etc.I can load the bed,ladder racks,and haul a trailer @ 6,500#.My work on new homes requires the use of 4wd.Ever since they`ve offered the cable actuator,I`ve wanted to install one.They`re around $200+/- and I just haven`t gotten around to it.I`ve always wanted to do a solid axle swap,too,because it would be so cool.And,being a 1ton,it can be registered @ over 10,000# to get around lift laws.But it just keeps going and if it ain`t broke,don`t fix it.I bought it for work.I just play with my`72s.

[centsless]

There is a re designed actuator for this available from GM. It replaces the actuator with one that uses an electric motor. It works much faster and is more reliable. It is a two part kit. The actuator and a wiring harness. I have done this upgrade to many of those trucks and it makes a world of difference.

[ChevyKid1500]

thanks for all the replies!! Centsless, how was the new designed actuator? and is it hard to replace? thanks!! oh i do have a manual lever in the floor, if thats what you were talking about trkklr77 thanks!!

[bloertcher]

I have the Posi Lock settup in mine,it's the only way to go!
IFS is the king of my work truck,love it.Not as strong,but drives nice and simple to maintain.