4x4 engages strong, but doesn't seem to disengage fully. First question, I have heard the hubs on each side may need to be turned different ways. I have them currently both counterclockwise. They turn freely and I just took them both out and cleaned and relubed them, replacing the o ring. To my surprise, that did not fix the problem. It seems to be slightly, ever so slightly in 4x4 if that is possible. I can tell this because it doesn't seem to turn as freely when I turn corners and seems to be pulling. Could be in my head, but I have driven this truck for over 160k and it seems different.

So while in park, and in 2WD, I get under the truck and turn the drive shaft. On the driver side, the u joint does not turn, just wiggles slightly. On the passenger side, it turns as I turn the front drive shaft. Perhaps this indicates what is wrong. Maybe it is as simple as turning one of the hubs a different way. It appears on my hubs, at least on the driver side that turning counter clockwise switches it to auto. Any insight?

 

both sides turn the same way. counter clockwise is auto, and clockwise is locked. the hubs aren't completely disengaging. after you take it out of 4WD, back up in a straight line for about 15- 20 feet. as for turning the drive shaft, that's normal. if you had a locker then both sides would turn. now when you're hubs are in the auto position, can you keep turning the drive shaft? you should be able to.

 

ok, thanks. so both are turned counterclockwise. i tried going forward and back and that seems to free it up quicker. there still seems to be that slight pull. maybe it's in my head :-) i just put on new tires, so that could be it. yes, i can turn the drive shaft when the hubs are in the auto position and it is in 2wd. or maybe there is still an issue with something else. appreciate the insight and any more is appreciated. matt

 

well the backing up part helps to disengege the hubs, but with the auto/ vac lock B.S. they never fully disengege. i don't know what was wrong with the OBS manual hubs. when was the last time you had a alignment done on it?

 

it's been a while, but it seems to drive pretty straight. more of the resistance in the steering wheel when i turn. perhaps this is the effect of going from really worn tires to new ones. at least i have narrowed it down. i know my hubs are turned correctly, i know they are moving freely. my vacuum lines seem to be working ok. no visible problems at quick check.

 

it's probably just the new tires. when you have it in 4WD, and say you're pushin pretty hard thru mud or snow and you turn the wheels all the way, does it start popping when the axle u joints binding up?

 

No actual popping or noise. Just the normal feel when it is in 4x4, especially of course on pavement that is not covered by ice or snow.

 

mine i can't turn all the way in 4WD or it starts makin noise and blowing a u joint isn't on my to do list.

 

i drove it today and it seemed better. perhaps my lubing the hubs helped free them up a bit. thanks for you help! matt

 

good to hear!