problem with 4x4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bucket · 12-19-2007, 07:27 PM

its on a 91 1500 with 375k. its a plow truck and while plowing this weekend, front wheels quit working. lights up on the floor shifter but it makes lots of racket. even when in 2h. before this weekend, the cv joints clicked when in 4h and turning but otherwise seemed to work good.

what is the trouble shooting process? how do i identify or rule out the transfer case, joints, hubs, etc? i have never really messed with 4 wheel drives.

**special-K** · 12-20-2007, 04:12 AM

I`d check the CVs.

johnnywagon · 12-20-2007, 09:40 AM

Those trucks are notorious for failure of the 4x4 actuator switch. Borg Warner part #FWD10. They usually go for a bit over $100. Thats usually the first thing we suggest to people w/your problem BUT the noises you describe could mean something else?

bucket · 12-20-2007, 09:48 AM

thanks. it almost sounds like its partially engaged.

bucket · 12-20-2007, 02:07 PM

is the borg warner part number for the "updated" version? i stopped in at the gm dealer today and according to my VIN, the updated version won't work on my because i don't have the "z" code??? i asked him if they are not them same for 88 to 97 and he said ithey are not all the same and i have the earlier version.

68K20 x Drill · 12-20-2007, 02:07 PM

jack the front up and take turns rotating each wheel and drive shaft. observe what it is connected to, listen for odd noises
I'm sorry, that is probably the last thing you want to do on snowy ground.

I would not be surprised at all at a plow breaking a half ton diff.

I believe the '4x4 posi-lock' product sells for less than the cost of 3 fancy actuators, and it seems it would be reliable.

bucket · 12-20-2007, 02:16 PM

i will jack up the front and have a look. i just wasn't sure what to look for since i have never worked on a 4wd. good thing is i have a 5000 sf shop to work on the equipment

)

bucket · 12-20-2007, 06:15 PM

went down to the shop tonight and unhooked the plow so i could get the front off the ground. sure enough, the right cv is broken.

thanks guys!

for future reference: if the light indicates the front is engaged, is the actuator working? or if it does not light up, its faulty?

Blue_71 · 12-20-2007, 08:36 PM

on my 89, the 2 times the actuator has went out, the light in the floor quit working. fixed the actuator, and the light started working again

12-19-2007, 07:27 PM	#1
bucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 923	problem with 4x4 its on a 91 1500 with 375k. its a plow truck and while plowing this weekend, front wheels quit working. lights up on the floor shifter but it makes lots of racket. even when in 2h. before this weekend, the cv joints clicked when in 4h and turning but otherwise seemed to work good. what is the trouble shooting process? how do i identify or rule out the transfer case, joints, hubs, etc? i have never really messed with 4 wheel drives.

12-20-2007, 04:12 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: problem with 4x4 I`d check the CVs. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-20-2007, 09:40 AM	#3
johnnywagon Sofa King. We, Todd, Ed. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Spokane, Wa. Posts: 631	Re: problem with 4x4 Those trucks are notorious for failure of the 4x4 actuator switch. Borg Warner part #FWD10. They usually go for a bit over $100. Thats usually the first thing we suggest to people w/your problem BUT the noises you describe could mean something else?

12-20-2007, 09:48 AM	#4
bucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 923	Re: problem with 4x4 thanks. it almost sounds like its partially engaged.

12-20-2007, 02:07 PM	#5
bucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 923	Re: problem with 4x4 is the borg warner part number for the "updated" version? i stopped in at the gm dealer today and according to my VIN, the updated version won't work on my because i don't have the "z" code??? i asked him if they are not them same for 88 to 97 and he said ithey are not all the same and i have the earlier version.

12-20-2007, 02:07 PM	#6
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: problem with 4x4 jack the front up and take turns rotating each wheel and drive shaft. observe what it is connected to, listen for odd noises I'm sorry, that is probably the last thing you want to do on snowy ground. I would not be surprised at all at a plow breaking a half ton diff. I believe the '4x4 posi-lock' product sells for less than the cost of 3 fancy actuators, and it seems it would be reliable. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars Last edited by 68K20 x Drill; 12-20-2007 at 02:09 PM.

12-20-2007, 02:16 PM	#7
bucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 923	Re: problem with 4x4 i will jack up the front and have a look. i just wasn't sure what to look for since i have never worked on a 4wd. good thing is i have a 5000 sf shop to work on the equipment )

12-20-2007, 06:15 PM	#8
bucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 923	Re: problem with 4x4 went down to the shop tonight and unhooked the plow so i could get the front off the ground. sure enough, the right cv is broken. thanks guys! for future reference: if the light indicates the front is engaged, is the actuator working? or if it does not light up, its faulty?



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