4WD doesn't engage

Submitted by GJL on

Forum: 

My 1994 fourtrak only operates in 2WD. If I change into 4WD Hi or Low, still only 2WD. It engages into the lower range of gears OK and the transfer shift feels smooth. I wondered if it could be the Auto Free Wheeling Hubs. I only have experience of using Manual Hubs.

4wd not engaging

Submitted by screaminkiwi on

Hi..have had my independent(also a 94)for 5 years now with no problems,however my younger brother also had one,before changing to a twin cab pick.up,and I recall he had the same problem,which apparently was due to him never using the fwd box for about 2 years!resulting in something seizing.I,m not mechanically minded! just love my truck! but I make a habit of running it in 4wd mode only for a short distance maybe once a month, iof i,m not off.roading,just to keep all the moving parts moving.This may not be the problem,and I dont think my bro,s was a difficult or expensive thing to sort..but worth a thought

Fingers crossed

4WD doesn't engage

Submitted by GJL on

Thanks Screaminkiwi,
I have not owned it long, but I'm guessing that the previous owner did not use 4WD much, so it could be as you say. Will have a look tomorrow.

Easy way to find if your prob

Submitted by Nev. K on

Easy way to find if your problem is at the gearbox or axel end. Jack one rear wheel of the ground, prefurably on a troly jack, or rested onto an axel stand. Get a freind to site in the drivers seat Start the car Engage 4wd low 1st Lift clutch gently (being ready to stop if things other than the lifted wheel start moving) Once the car is siting with one whell spinning (slowly) in the air have a look underneath behind the front wheel. If the front prop is spinning the problem is whith the front axel, (probably a hub but possibly a diff or half shaft). If the prop is not spinning your problem is in the transfer box. Also if the prop does not spin: drop the car back on all 4s. leave in 1st 4 low. Slid underneath and make sure you can't turn the front prop by hand (there will be some play). If you can you've got a problem at both ends, or 4wd isn't engaging and therfor not telling the freewheeling hubs to lock.

Any veiws expresed in this thread by me are purely from my own experience, and (sometimes) falible memory. Hope my comments help, but please don't take them as gospel.