is my front differential supposed to spin in 2wd? my truck is a 1997 1500 4x4. the reason i ask is because mine is not spinning.. if its not supposed to, what could be wrong?

thanks

 

do you mean the drive shaft? or the axle shafts?

Axle shafts should spin all the time (obviously)

front driveshaft only spins when locked in 4x4

 

yeah i mean the front driveshaft. ok, i was just wondering because my dad has a 3500 and his spins in 2wd.

 

yes you should be able to spin it with your hand freely if in 2wd.

That shaft is connected to the transfer case, and the 4x4 shifter goes to the transfer case, so when you shift the 4x4 lever, it locks the shaft, and a fork locks in a spindle to the shafts to lock the front diff.

Its hard to explain...just trying to make you understand it clearly. Im a HUGE gearhead and love talking about vehicles.

 

What year is the 3500?

 

must be an oldie with locking hubs

 

No probably a 3rd gen. the 3rd Gens have AAM's and I believe they are all like that

 

The 2002 HD second gens had a Dana 60 with no CAD. Thats why I asked.