Problem w 92 K1500 4 wheel drive

[ckhd]

92 k1500 'burb 170k miles, just bought it.

Wouldn't go in to 4 wheel drive. T-case shifts fine, after a few seconds, the diagram on the floor would light up, but if I got in a tight spot, only the rear tire(s) would spin, and it sounded like when you use your drill to screw in a screw, but strip the head... Kind of a buzzing sound, but slower and with more mass. Normally driving a 68, 69, or 72 -all with manual hubs and gear t-cases, I thought it was the actuator. After all, everyone complains about the thermal actuator.

I replaced the actuator. It still does the exact same thing. What are the chances of the problem being in the transfer case?

I think it's a NP 241.

[Campbel45]

I believe there is a fuse going to that actuator. May make sure you are getting good power and ground to that. The actuator has a heating element that takes time to heat and then finally shift. Should take a maximum of 30 sec. though

[ryanroo]

there are some little pads on the shift forks inside the case that isolate the fork from the collar. its possible that they have work out and are not letting the case fully engage. that could give you the noise and lack of front engagement as well.

[ckhd]

Pardon me while I dig up this old thread. I found out what was really wrong and didn't post the answer...

It was the outer right CV joint. The only thing holding it together was the rubber boot, and when torque was applied, the cv joint would slip on the inside. That's where the noise was coming from.