Hey Guys,

I'm wondering how 4x4 is supposed to work on these trucks. I understand the rear is an LSD. But the front has me baffled, as I know it's conventional, not LSD, so both wheels will never spin at same time...but what is confusing is, I've had some issues lately so I jacked up all 4 wheels, put on jack stands and put it in gear to see what happens. Driver rear and passenger front spun, both in 4 Lo and 4wd (I don't have the auto 4wd feature) I find it odd that the passenger front spins, being that it has that electronic disconnect that the CV shaft goes into. When should that disconnect engage/disengage?? What will make that front left wheel spin?

Thank you in Advance,

Eric

 

Sounds like you have open diffs at both ends. That's why only one wheel on each end spins. (another possibility is your rear LSD is just worn out..... )

The power is going to follow the path of least resistance. My guess is, if you use something to put a little drag on the wheel that is turning, it will likely cause the other side to start turning.

 

Worn out is likely...269,000 miles and I've never changed the fluid. According to build sheet "Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle" It's weird cuz every time I'd smoke the tires weak 245s from the factory, it laid nice flat perfectly even black marks side by side exact same length. I'm not super concerned about the rear...what I don't understand is when/how that front disconnect works

 

In this case, LD means "Light Duty".

The front end is unlocked unless you are in some variety of 4 wheel drive. (hi or lo....) basically, it's a gas mileage thing. Takes less power to turn less stuff. With the front axle disconnected, less parts to turn, so, less fuel burned. In all reality, it doesn't really save you that much. It's just another potential failure point.

 

So essentially same idea, just updated version, as auto locking hubs??

 

Yep, and about as reliable too.

 

Only issue I've had with it in 269k rough miles, was when I had to change my cv axle simply cuz I hit the boot with torch while replacing shocks, was the stub shaft (that I was unaware of) was seized into the CV shaft and all the whaling, prying, pounding, pulling to get the CV shaft out, I ended up effing up the snap ring and got it to push through somehow....No damage to either shaft. Just reinstalled the stub shaft without snapring...was told it's basically only needed during assembly line.

 

Not sure about the 9 1/4, but I know back in the 2nd gen diesels they were sold as a limited slip but the clutches were stacked 2x2, little more forgiving for the driver but less grabby on the traction. Restack the clutches 1x1 and she was a grabber. Id agree at those miles its probably just worn out, but also with no real resistance on the tires the LSD might not activate the same as it would under load and appear to be an open diff

 

Stop the front right tire with your foot and the front left will spin.