np205 won't come out of 4wd?

[SeanPaintsFlames]

I've had this 83 Scottsdale back in my possession for a couple weeks now (spent the first month of owning it at the mechanic's house), and during the initial period of working out the bugs (more like an infestation of bugs...)I'm trying to figure out this transfer case. It's a 205 with the 4hi-2hi-N-4lo shift pattern. It seems that regardless of which gear it's in, I can see the front driveshaft through the shifter hole spinning all the time. Neutral is certainly neutral, so I know that the linkage pushrods are actually doing something inside the case. Isn't the front shaft supposed to be static in 2hi? I was having issues with the crummy hubs not locking when they were supposed to, so maybe one is locked now and grabbing the differential? It has an Auburn limited slip in the front and the case is leaking fluid if it matters! This is my first 4wd, so I'm still learning how these things should work. Thanks!

[BIG V]

Are the hubs locked? If so unlock them then move back and forth about 3feet then try to disengage it
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[Stocker]

Residual component drag can allow the front driveshaft to rotate in 2WD with the hubs unlocked, but it will rotate at a much slower rate then if the hubs were locked or if the t-case is in 4WD. Used to notice it a lot with the old Ford highboys when I was kid.

But if it's rotating fast (as though in 4WD) then there's a problem. With the hubs in the 'free' position, jack up one front corner and see if you can freely rotate the tire by hand. If you can't, put the t-case in neutral and try again. If the tire rotates now and the front DS does also, the hub is locked up and may be bad. Try this on the other side also.

[68panelman]

You should also be able to turn the front shaft by hand also when in 2wd and have properly working hubs. I'd try this before you go pulling out the floor jacks and stands.

[SeanPaintsFlames]

It was the hubs. They were seized with mud when I got the truck so we soaked and cleaned them. It took some trickery to get them to finally lock while I was out in the pasture, but then it turned out the unlocking springs inside just popped cockeyed and wouldn't release the hubs. New Warn hubs from Summit and it's good to go!

Thanks!

[scottmitchellrose]

i'm having the same problem with my 70. front driveshaft spins slowly at all times. front hubs are not locked.

[sweetk30]

Originally Posted by scottmitchellrose

i'm having the same problem with my 70. front driveshaft spins slowly at all times. front hubs are not locked.

like said above its just the unit and thick gear oil moving around and other factors letting the shaft roll along just a bit .

if you can spin it by hand free in park and truck stopped then your good . dont over think these old units .

[scottmitchellrose]

3 on the tree with this one. With it in reverse, and the 4x4 in 2 high position, I can in fact freely turn that front driveshaft.

so I will just live with it- and not worry that I'm hurting it- and I can get on the highway, do 65 without ruining the front gears, right? Thanks again.... Scott

[sweetk30]

if you can spin the shaft and hubs unlocked then she is just along for the ride and coasting along with the drag of the whole system .

[scottmitchellrose]

thanks again!

[1976gmc20]

Put some carpet or rubber mat over the hole in the floor so you can't see the front driveshaft

[sweetk30]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

Put some carpet or rubber mat over the hole in the floor so you can't see the front driveshaft

x2