1983 F250 4X4 won't engage front wheels

Carl Shannon · New User Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 Report to Moderator

I bought a 1983 F250 4X4 and when the front wheel hubs are locked, in 4X4 low/high, i hear a snapping sound and the wheels won't turn. I can't tell where the snapping sound comes from, could be the hubs, axle maybe.

Any ideas, or ideas how to problem solve?

Thanks!

ericlb

going to have to do some diagnosis, pull both front locking hubs off, then try it, with the hubs off the front axle should be locked in, see if the noise is gone, if so and both front wheels are pulling then its the hubs, replace them ,if it still makes the noise you need to figure out if it snapped a axle or broke the ring gear in the differential, post back with what you find out

Bob

First, check the slip joint in the front driveshaft to verify it isn"t stripped.

Carl Shannon · New User Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 Report to Moderator

Thanks for the replies...

I have the back wheels off the ground now, front on the ground to see if the axles are turning when in 4X4. They are not turning, which indicates to me that the hubs aren't the problem. I just thought to check the oil and there wasn't any as far down as my finger could go. I'll add oil today, see what that does.

I'll check back soon.

Thanks !!

ericlb

ok is the front driveshaft turning? on both the transfer case end and the diferential end? if the slipjoint isnt stripped and the driveshaft is good then you have differential problems, especially if its been run dry, pull the cover and take a look in there [ brace yourself] post back with what you find

Carl Shannon · New User Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 Report to Moderator

Driveshaft is turning, and i hear a snapping sound coming from somewhere in the housing. I'm guessing i have differetial issues.

I guess there is no easy way to pull off the cover and see?

ericlb

if yours has the light duty front end, with independent front suspension you will have to pull the axles and drop the whole pumpkin assembly, actually this makes it easier to work on once you have it out, if it has the hd option it has a solid front axle and the cover unbolts from the front and you can look in there, im betting youll find the ring gear in pieces and maybe other damage as well, pinion, spider gears, ect look very carefully after cleaning it up