Straight to the point.Can running 2wd with the front axle stuck engaged do damage?

I only ask because I know how the 4x4 system works,but it's just too darn cold out to work on it right now and I still have to drive it to work.

Or is there a way to free it without pulling it apart?(assuming it's the slider that is stuck)

 

Your linkage is stuck? Which 4wd setup do you have? Keep it in 4 hi, if you can't disengage it. If you have the np231, you shouldn't drive on pavement engaged.

 

Copied from another site, but loosen 2, and shift the 5 lever manually back into 2wd. Did you try reverse for about 30 yards?

 

You didn't say what year your truck is. And you didn't say if the shifter is stuck in the 4wd position.

1993-down has CAD which disconnects the front drive shaft when not in 4wd.

1994-up has no CAD so the axle is completely connected.

So if it is the CAD is not disconnecting your truck will be just fine, since the 94-up trucks are setup like that.

 

OOPS!My Bad!

My truck is a 91,318 v8,with vacuum operated front axle.
The truck drives like normal in 2wd,so I know it's not the transfer case.And to be honest,I'm not entirely sure the axle is engaged.No strange noises and steering is normal,but the indicator light stays on even with the case in 2wd.

The only difference I notice is that she doesn't kick the rear end out as hard when I stomp on the throttle in snowy conditions.

 

Bottom line is as long as the T-case lever is in 2wd you're not going to hurt anything. My light sometimes sticks on also, try giving the lever a little harder shove into 2wd.

 

Mine is doing the same thing. It's a 91 4wd. My front end is staying engaged (I pulled the vacuum lines and 4wd still worked) which I figure that's whats wrong with yours. I can't help but think this could be bad for the transfer case. On a truck with lock in,lock out hubs I heard it's never a good idea to run with the front hubs locked in with the transfer case just in 2HI for long distances. Seems this is the same principle. When the weather changes a bit I'm going to change the vacuum actuator to fix the problem. I jacked my truck up and my front drive shaft doesn't spin freely (not moving the front wheels) and it should.My actuator is stuck. Reach under your truck if you can't spin your front drive shaft freely then the front end is still engaged although the transfer case is not in 4HI. That's what is keeping your light on. IMO.

 

It's no problem for the axle to be engaged in 2wd as Crazy mentioned the 94-up trucks don't use a disconnect.

 

I reckon, but it just doesn't feel right. Stuff not workin right just bugs me I guess.

 

Thanks guys.That's a relief to me.

And I know what you mean,Spenny.I'd rather it all work properly as well,but it's -14c outside.Not a good day to crawl under a truck.