Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 4X4 Question

[HCannon]

I have a 98 12v, 4X4 with a problem. The front axle wont engage. If I do away with all the parts and make like the newer and have the front turning all the time will the transfer be OK? I see an advertisment of a axle that will do away with shifting parts. My wife drives a 04, 4X4 that workes just fine. It has made it to 90K with no problems. Just wondering, why wouldnt the 98 wouldnt be OK with the same setup.

 

[bnelson]

Trouble shoot what you have. It may be something as simple as the vacuum line that makes the axle shift in and out. No vacuum, no 4-wheel drive. My '97 has 225,000 miles on it and works fine. I did replace the factory vacuum line with some off the shelf tubing because I ripped the original off.

 

[WilsonF]

I agree its a descent system not hard to troubleshoot and if you want you can do away with the vacuum part and go with a pull cable. Check out posi loc.
Floyd

 

[HCannon]

Wilson, the system you speak of sounds interesting. Most of the time when I need the 4X4 I am off by my self several miles from anyone. When it quit this time, I did manage to get out without it. It is upsetting to say the least, when something like this does not work as it should. The Ranch roads arent all that good. I would like to have something very reliable that works every time. Guess that is asking a lot of anything. Would you know the best place to get one? Thanks, Harvey

 

[WoodJ]

I had a posi-lok on a 1994 that I sold year ago and I also put one on my dads 1996. They work pretty good and are not that hard to install. Running the cable was the hardest part. The web site is 4x4 Posi-Lok - 4WD Engagement Systems. Fixing the stock unit is easy and alot cheaper, but can fail easier too.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Since engineering is a compromise ALL systems have problems - even the posi-locks if you read the posts. Try troubleshooting your vacuum system.



1. Got vacuum for cruise and heater controls (sorry but it happens) I've had my air check valve stick many times - no vacuum.



2. remove your CAD and see (engine running) if the yoke slides appropriately when connected to truck vacuum.



3. remove CAD and see if vacuum spills from one side of the diaphragm to the other - you need a new CAD.



4. I found as stated its a good system BUT - I feel the the air vent which admits relief air on the off side of the CAD is mounted way too low and picks up road slop (IMHO) I replumbed mine up behind the firewall.