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-   -   90 Checy 4x4 not working (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=448235)

86 Rado 02-21-2011 09:00 AM

90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
I am new to this whole 4x4 thing and mine is not working. I shift it into 4 wheel drive. but get nothing. What are the most common things I should look at first? I put the truck in neutral and engage 4 wheel drive, sometimes it will grind a little but not allways as I shift it in. It has the floor shifter to engage it. Thank for your assistance.

jrdv 02-21-2011 10:45 AM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
If I remember correctly, there is an electric actuator that is in the front diff. Check for loose connection or wiring. It will be on the right side of the diff and the wires go to the transfer case.
I know that it has the manual shifter, but it is still electronic.
The solenoid?? in the diff is know to go bad.

Hope this helps a little.

John

86 Rado 02-21-2011 11:43 AM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
I have learned alot about this in the last hour. Are you talking about replacing the actuator? I can get that at autozone for $87 but I guess I need to check the fuse first.

propanemudtruck 02-21-2011 12:57 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
I ran into this with the plow truck a few weeks ago, well the harness got torn out of the truck while I was plowing...

I made a slug that is the length of the actuator when engaged and slid that in then screwed the acutator back into the diff. Works like a charm! Not really the proper fix, but it's a plow truck!

86 Rado 02-21-2011 03:42 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
I did go out and check the fuse, lookes good. I put it down in 4L and drove it just a minute. It was definately on low and drover a little different. I could hear the fron end whining somewhat. But lights never lit up. W 2 weeks ago I tried to use it and the front wheels just sat there while the backs were spinning. Does this help any to narrow it down. Been raining all day, so I cant get under it till this crap stops.

BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 02-21-2011 07:15 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
More than likely your actuator in the front differental is out. Your truck will drive different when it is in low, because of your transfer case. Crawl under it and look at the front end and make sure the wires are hooked up still.

propanemudtruck 02-21-2011 07:39 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
to test that actuator when it dries up, simply remove it and hook it to a 12 volt power source. If it extends just under an inch at the end, it's working. There are 4 wires, two to confirm it's in 4 wheel and the two that activate the actuator.

86 Rado 02-21-2011 07:46 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
Is this easy to get to or do I have to remove anything to get to it? I dont have any kind of power source unless I can use my battery charger. Sorry if I sound stupid, just not an electrical or much of a real mechanic for that matter.

onebadbowtie 02-21-2011 09:54 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 86 Rado (Post 4503109)
Is this easy to get to or do I have to remove anything to get to it? I dont have any kind of power source unless I can use my battery charger. Sorry if I sound stupid, just not an electrical or much of a real mechanic for that matter.

just take some wire a hook them to positive and ground posts on your battery in your truck and to the actuator ;)

propanemudtruck 02-22-2011 07:53 AM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
It takes a fairly large crescent wrench or channel locks to get around the actuator, but there's room from underneath to spin it out. have fun getting dirty!

86 Rado 02-22-2011 08:35 AM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
Thanks for all your help. I will give it a shot. "Have fun getting dirty" come from a mudder, sound like you do. One other thing, does it hurt to drive it while its out or must I reinstall it.
Thanks
Jerry

propanemudtruck 02-22-2011 10:02 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
Wouldn't be the best idea, I great 1" hole for fluid to get out and debris to get in...

It's been a while since I really had a mud truck, but I find ways to get dirty... The weapon of choice was an S10 blazer with 1 ton running gear, 40" tires and an LP powered 366 BBC. Those were the days!

rayfinseats 02-22-2011 10:13 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If I remember correctly, there is an electric actuator that is in the front diff. Check for loose connection or wiring. It will be on the right side of the diff and the wires go to the transfer case.
I know that it has the manual shifter, but it is still electronic.
The solenoid?? in the diff is know to go bad.

I agree: MINE WENT BAD ON MY 90 1500 once. Same issue. Easy to change.

Hoods69BadBowTie 02-23-2011 12:18 AM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
Yep there is the actuator in the front diff that can go bad. There is also a cheaper part on the transfer case that can go bad. Its a little sensor/ actuator that is magnetic I believe and it sits on the top of the transfer case. Has a 2 prong that goes into. This was bad on my '88 and the diff actuator was still good. I think I got the part at oreilys and it was like 10$ or 15$. Hope this helps.

86 Rado 02-24-2011 02:20 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
Ok, I was able to check the actuator and it goes out when engaged and back in when not. Seems to function as it should. What should I go to next. Someone said part of differential? Thanks for everyones input.

jrdv 02-24-2011 11:03 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
Only thing to do now is swap in a solid front end!:metal:

86 Rado 02-24-2011 11:26 PM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
What about that indicator switch?

Hoods69BadBowTie 02-25-2011 12:03 AM

Re: 90 Checy 4x4 not working
 
Did you try the one that goes on top of the transfercase like I was talking about in my other post. Here's a link to a pic of it from google http://www.monsterautoparts.com/CHEV...4%20switch.jpg


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