Not the average center diff thread

[Scooch13]

Hey all,

So, lets see if I can explain this properly and still have you all understand. I have a little problem. At first, I was having the common issue of not being able to get the center diff to lock or only lock sporadically. So today, with the advice of some other threads, I took the rubber mallet in attempt to free the actuator up. After a couple of rounds I was able to engage/disengage the center diff successfully about 3 or 4 times. Now I can't get the differential to unlock. Both the diff and the VSC lights are solid and now the 4Lo light is flashing. I don't even hear the little beep of what seemed was coming from the actuator anymore. I've also never had an issue of engaging/disengaging 4Lo until today. After several rubber mallet love taps and simultaneous button-pushing combos, still no-go in attempt to free the differential up. All 3 of the bolts surrounding the actuator are rounded and very corroded (of course) and I couldn't find one of those specialty sockets at any of the part stores around me. For now it will not be driven as driving 60+mph on pavement with the center diff locked seems like a disaster to me. Is it possible everything is just so gummed up that it will require a new actuator?I highly doubt the rubber mallet strikes were enough force to damage anything but what do I know. Let me know what you think, I'd certainly appreciate it!

-Stephen

 

[RonJR]

You may just have the axles bound up. Did you drive it while the center diff was locked?

First thing I would do is jack up the front end (both wheels off the ground) to take the pressure off the drive train, and see if you can get it unstuck that way.

 

[Scooch13]

You may just have the axles bound up. Did you drive it while the center diff was locked?

First thing I would do is jack up the front end (both wheels off the ground) to take the pressure off the drive train, and see if you can get it unstuck that way.

I only drove the truck maybe a few feet with the diff locked. After we got it to consecutively lock/unlock, I kept it unlocked and drove down the street to a gravel road where it then got jammed up after I locked it. I haven't tried that yet, thanks. I'll see if I can get it in the air tonight and report back.

-Stephen

 

[rich045]

its your transfer case actuator, something similar to that happened to me, i ended up changing it and the problem went away.
mine was actually stuck in low range, it would switch from 4wd to 2wd but would not come off low range.

 

[Scooch13]

its your transfer case actuator, something similar to that happened to me, i ended up changing it and the problem went away.
mine was actually stuck in low range, it would switch from 4wd to 2wd but would not come off low range.

Never once had an issue with 4Lo before and now the light is blinking and won't engage. My biggest fear is having to replace the actuator. If you don't mind me asking, is it true about the $2000+ to replace it? Rather get air lockers at that point lol.

 

[rich045]

Never once had an issue with 4Lo before and now the light is blinking and won't engage. My biggest fear is having to replace the actuator. If you don't mind me asking, is it true about the $2000+ to replace it? Rather get air lockers at that point lol.

i did it myself, taking hte unit out is fairly easy, taking it apart is easy too, the only part that is not fun is taking out the 3 C clips cause they are in hard to reach areas. Also aligning the 2 rods from the actuator takes a bit of finess. the part i found online for 800 and change. 2 quarts of redline 75w90 and some sealant. that was about it.
I'm pretty sure if you pay someone, they will ask about 2 grand or so. its not a hard job but its up there.