LC doesn't move in 2WD but does in 4WD...Need advice please!

[scottaskinosie]

Hey guys,

I have followed the forums for a while now but this is my first post. You all have been a godsend in troubleshooting! I really appreciate it!!!

I was driving my 2002 LC yesterday and it made a loud clunk and suddenly I was no longer moving. When I am in gear or reverse I hear a buzzing/grinding noise that sounds like its coming from the front transfer case. The drive shaft does move when it is in gear.

Also, it moves in 4WD... But I parked it as soon as this happened so as not to cause any further damage.

I have read in other forums about some trucks having a transfer case actuator/motor but I am not sure if the LC has that. I am hoping it is something like that and not a bad transfer case. I plan on getting under it in the next day or two to check the front box but the last time I checked it the fluid was clear of metal shavings and appeared to be in good shape.

Any ideas on what I should check/try to identify the problem?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[labcab]

Do you mean that the vehicle moves when you engage the center diff lock? But doesn’t when not engaged?

 

[Tapage]

Do you mean that the vehicle moves when you engage the center diff lock? But doesn’t when not engaged?

If so .. there is a axle shaft / birf broken or front R&P ..?

 

[Mike6158]

Ie the LC is either 4L or 4H... not 2 wheel drive.

 

[scottaskinosie]

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated![/QUOTE]

Do you mean that the vehicle moves when you engage the center diff lock? But doesn’t when not engaged?

That is a good question. yes I believe that would be more accurate. When I engage the center diff lock the vehicle moves. Thank you labcab!

 

[scottaskinosie]

If so .. there is a axle shaft / birf broken or front R&P ..?

Thanks for responding Tapage! I am sorry, i don't understand the abbreviations. Could you please elaborate for me?

 

[scottaskinosie]

Ie the LC is either 4L or 4H... not 2 wheel drive.

Thanks Mike6158. That makes sense. I guess to be completely accurate when I depress the center diff lock button on the dash just below the emergency flashers button I am able to drive. But when that button is not depressed I can't.

 

[labcab]

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!


That is a good question. yes I believe that would be more accurate. When I engage the center diff lock the vehicle moves. Thank you labcab!

Your front diff is busted. Pressing the center diff lock button essentially puts it in 2wd. Folks on here have removed the front drive shaft to get home or get help, but I wouldn’t go far or long like that.

Check car-part.com for a used one, or it’s a good excuse to put in a front locker.

 

[scottaskinosie]

That is a good question. yes I believe that would be more accurate. When I engage the center diff lock the vehicle moves. Thank you labcab!

Your front diff is busted. Pressing the center diff lock button essentially puts it in 2wd. Folks on here have removed the front drive shaft to get home or get help, but I wouldn’t go far or long like that.

Check car-part.com for a used one, or it’s a good excuse to put in a front locker.[/QUOTE]

Thanks again Labcab.

So just to be sure I am understanding what you are saying. You believe that the front diff is shot and I will need to replace or rebuild it. Is that correct?

 

[aging fleet]

Not necessarily a busted diff, the driveshafts that go between the front diff and your hub pass through a flange that has ridges that match up to your axle. They've been known to strip out so the driveshaft just spins in the flange so the car wont't move forward.

You can pull the center caps off the front wheels and the dust caps, with the diff lock not engaged put the car in drive and have someone look to see if the axle is just spinning in the flange.

edit for some links:

Urgent: cruiser not driving

Help Please - 'Broke' 4-High During Extraction from Snow Bank

 

[labcab]

If you’re going to poke around, check @aging fleet ‘s suggestion first. The hub flanges are cheap compared to repairing/replacing the diff.

 

[scottaskinosie]

Thanks guys!

I will try what aging fleet said and report back.

I really appreciate the help!!!

 

[scottaskinosie]

Not necessarily a busted diff, the driveshafts that go between the front diff and your hub pass through a flange that has ridges that match up to your axle. They've been known to strip out so the driveshaft just spins in the flange so the car wont't move forward.

You can pull the center caps off the front wheels and the dust caps, with the diff lock not engaged put the car in drive and have someone look to see if the axle is just spinning in the flange.

edit for some links:

Urgent: cruiser not driving

Help Please - 'Broke' 4-High During Extraction from Snow Bank

@Agingfleet you were spot on! I pulled the dust caps off and the passenger shaft was spinning away and making an awful sound.

Thanks for the links as well. i am going to finish reading through those posts and see if I think I can tackle this myself.

Thanks again man, i really appreciate it!!!

 

[labcab]

There’s a write-up in the FAQ too:
Hub flange removal writeup

 

[scottaskinosie]

Thank you @labcab! Good looking out!!!

 

[scottaskinosie]

Hey guys, I need a little more advice. I got everything apart and saw that my axle was a little chewed up from spinning in the flange so I bought a new one but can't get the sucker in. The snap ring is preventing the shaft from inserting all of the way into the diff and I can't seem to get a good angle on it to force it in

Any advice on getting the shaft to seat correctly?

I have read elsewhere that some guys have just taken the snap ring off but that can't be good can it?

Thanks again!

 

[abuck99]

Snap ring on the end of the axle that fits inside the diff, right?

The opening of the snap ring should be pointing downward (at 6 o’clock) as you install the axle into the diff. You can put a dab of grease on the snap ring to keep it from moving. Slightly twist the axle back and forth to get the splines lined up. Give the axle a few 3-4 good shoves and it should lock into place.

 

[Ayune]

I love this show!

 

[scottaskinosie]

Snap ring on the end of the axle that fits inside the diff, right?

The opening of the snap ring should be pointing downward (at 6 o’clock) as you install the axle into the diff. You can put a dab of grease on the snap ring to keep it from moving. Slightly twist the axle back and forth to get the splines lined up. Give the axle a few 3-4 good shoves and it should lock into place.

Thanks @abuck99!

I have tried that but have had little luck. I put a little grease to keep the opening of the ring at the 6 but still haven't been able to get it to go. It seems to line up. I can feel it guide into the grooves but as soon as it hits that damn ring it stops dead.

I think I'll try this again tomorrow and maybe tap it in with a block of wood and a hammer against that lip on the diff side...

Thanks again man!

 

[camino70]

Can I see a picture? I'm having a hard time envisioning where you are.