I have a 1983 dodge W250 that I cant get the front axles to engage. It has manual locking hubs. When I shift the t-case into 4H or 4L the front drive shaft locks in and turns but the front axles will not engage (ie the front tires do not spin). I am assuming the problem is with the locking hubs. I am looking for info on what I should look for as far as a failure and any steps for diagnosing the problem. Thanks.

 

Leave the truck in park, jack up the front end, lock the hubs in, and spin one tire. The other tire should spin the other way. If it doesn't, watch the universal joint while you spin the tire, does it turn as well? If so, then that hub is working, check the other side.

 

thanks for the suggestion, ill try that tomorrow and see how it goes.

 

i did as suggested and when i spin either side the other side doesnt move. Only the side i spin turns with both hubs locked

 

Does the driveshaft turn? Do the u-joints in the knuckles turn?