I am pretty sure this isn't normal, but whenever i am out 4x4in, if i get into any kind of slippery substance like mud or snow, the 4x4 will randomly kick out, then kick back in, and out, and in, and so on.... Anyone know what's wrong?

 

What are your RPM's when the 4x4 disengages?
My owners manual said something about max rpm/speed while engaged in 4x4. However, I dont recall what, if anything, it would do if you went beyond the "max" listed in the owners manual. Perhaps, it disengages if the max rpm is reached?

Check to make sure the vacuum lines are all in good condition and connected securely.

Rich

 

I've never really noticed it kick out at any specific RPM, sometime it will kick out at 1800, sometimes at 2400. It's more completely random than anything, but when I get a chance, I will crawl under her and take a look at the vacuum lines.

 

My guess is that your collar is not sliding all the way to fully engauge the axles, either from dirt or poor vacuum. The torque going through the axles causes it to pop in and out.

 

I agree 100%, or possibly just a vacuum actuator needing cleaning and fresh oil. And if your in there for that you may just as well service the front Diff. and change the oil, it can't hurt and is quick and helpfull routine maintaince.

 

Thanks guys, I am going to get on that this weekend, as soon as I get out of school. The help is appreciated.

 

I know this, mine has the posilock 4X4 system, and if you dont have it fully, and I mean fully engaged, it will pop right back out.

I would bet the two above posters are right.

 

Agreed. Unfortunately, if it pops in and out a few times it may have chewed up the end of the axle shaft that the collar slides over. If that is the case and depending on how badly the shaft is chewed up, you may have to replace the inner shaft to get it to work right again. you can see the ends if you take the actuator off. . .there shouldn't be much "ramping" of the splines. If there is, it will always pop out under load as there isn't enough spline there to hold.

 

Ok so I just crawled under it and took the the vacuum lines off and tested them. One line will suck in 2x4, the other in 4x4, and they suck enough so that I could feel it on my finger. So I am guessing that is not the problem.

Oh, and I also have no cruise control. I just remembered that, could that be part of the issue?

 

Sounds exactly like the problem I had with my truck. Wouldn't you know 4x4 went out on the first big snow of the year! Mine turned out to be a weak vacum pump. Just not enough vacum to keep 4x4 engaged. I'd put a vacum guage on and check for low vacum and any leaks before changing the pump. It's too expensive to change just for the fun of it!

 

Alright, reading around this and other forums, I think I have located the source of my troubles. Since my cruise control is non-functional, I figure there must be a vacuum leak under the battery, which is causing my 4x4 to kick in and out AND my cruise not to work. Since I don't have the tools here with me at school, I am going to have to wait until I get home to find out if I am right or not. You guys figure I am on the right track?