On the Fly 4x4 Questions/Problems

[csbarr12]

Alright, 1996 Fullsize XLT Bronco. Equipped with on-the-fly 3pin 4x4 system.

4x4 not engaging, when you put the vehicle in neutral and hit the 4x4low you can feel it register in the tranny.

Since it is a ON-THE-FLY(which i hate) does the truck need to be moving when the 4x4 is engaged, because thats what the manual says, im just not sure.

Any suggestions would be lovely, I want to try and figure out whats wrong, if anything.

 

[Roadkill]

What do you mean by 4x4 not engaging? Since you can feel the transfer shift into low range, that indicates that the t-case is working properly. How do you know that the 4x4 is not engaging? Is it based on the light not coming on or are the front wheels actually not being driven?

You can shift your t-case from 2H to 4H and back while the vehicle is stopped or moving. Shifting to 4L requires that you come to a complete stop and shift the transmision into neutral. If you have auto-locking hubs, they work on a cam system to engage. That means that after the t-case shifts to 4x4, the front axles must rotated about 1 revolution to fully engage. To change directions requires one revolution the opposite direction to disengage and one more revolution to engage the other way. You also must drive a few feet in the opposite direction after shifting out of 4x4 to disengage the hubs.

 

[csbarr12]

well, see heres what happened. It was quite funny actually.

Got the damn thing stuck(in 2wd) and engaged the 4x4, well the front tires werent spinning(the light was on). Dad told me that if it was electrical shift it wouldnt matter. But if its centriphical it has to rotate(like you said). I haven't had the chance to hit the 4x4 while moving so it could be working. If its not engaging, would it just be easier to switch them out for the WARN premium hubs? Thats what my father said he would only go with(what his crew used on all their military vehicles).

My dad isn't familiar with on the fly, b/c he cant stand it. So I am just looking for all the help i can get because i am at a total loss.

Thanks roadkill

And yes i got the truck out in 2wD lol

 

[Roadkill]

I agree with your dad, the auto-locks are junk IMO. I also have the Warn Premiums on my truck, you can get them for around $80-$100. Most of the big chain parts stores carry them in stock or you can find them on the internet. If the covers to your auto-lockers only have 3 screws, you will also need the conversion kit which consists of new spindle nuts and locking nuts. The instuctions are in the box and they are a piece of cake to install.

If the 4x4 light comes on and you could feel 4L engage, you t-case is fine. At least one of your auto-locker are probably shot. Do youself a favor and get the Warns.

 

[csbarr12]

aight sweet, my dad and i are going out tomorrow to see if they are totally screwed, and if they are we are gonna go ahead and get the warns asap.

Thanks for the help.

you ever heard anything good about the Mile Marker locking hubs???