4x4 issues

[purified_imp]

I own my first bronco, its a 1992 with an in-line 6, and I am having issues with my 4x4 so before I go buying random parts and replacing something that I didn't need to, I figured I would get some advice on how to narrow down the problem. Here are all my symptoms. When I shift to 4x4 the fornt tires don't spin. When I shift to 4x4 low, the gearing adjusts as though it is in 4x4 low, but the front tires still don't spin. The toehr issue is when i get going about 55, there is a vibration on the front end that eases up around 70mph- its still there, just not as rough. Any suggestions on what to check first?

 

[50joe]

Put it in 4x4, move it a few feet to be sure the transfer case is locked in. then jack up the front end, and spin the tires. See if the front alxe shaft spins with the wheels. If not, odds are the hubs are not working. If its in park, and you can spin both front axles freely, its either in the front diff or the case.

 

[purified_imp]

Put it in 4x4, move it a few feet to be sure the transfer case is locked in. then jack up the front end, and spin the tires. See if the front alxe shaft spins with the wheels. If not, odds are the hubs are not working. If its in park, and you can spin both front axles freely, its either in the front diff or the case.

Thanks I will do that this weekend. I hope its not the tranfer case. How would I tell if it were the front diff or the case?

 

[50joe]

Thanks I will do that this weekend. I hope its not the tranfer case. How would I tell if it were the front diff or the case?

If its in the diff, (doubtful), the font driveshaft will be locked, but the ones to the wheels wont be. If it's in the diff, the front shaft will be free.

 

[2percent]

Do you have manual hubs? if so are they set to lock. Sorry not trying to be mean just want to make sure I have friends that have done same thing.

 

[purified_imp]

Do you have manual hubs? if so are they set to lock. Sorry not trying to be mean just want to make sure I have friends that have done same thing.

No its automatic hubs, but I am going to switch them to manual so that I will know when they are locked and not.

 

[2percent]

yeh autos go bad often if used for offroading or heavy uses like towing or plowing. Warns are under 100 and advanced.