Think I might have a hub locked, I'm not sure. When I turn, it feels like it does when it's in 4hi. The steering wheel gets kind of grabby. Feels like a front wheel drive car does when you accelerate while turning sharp, know what I mean? Anyway, what would I do to test for that, and what would I do to fix it?

 

Not sure if this will help or not. I was told by a mechanic to add 2 tubes of anit-slip differential additive to the differential. He claimed that over time the original additive degrades and causes the anti-slip to not slip at all or very little. Sorry about not knowing the actual termonology.

I have this issue on an AWD Astro van. I tried it but it did not help. I have not tried it in the front differential or transfer case though.

 

It's probably the u-joints on your front axle. We have center axle disconnects so that's why I'm leaning towards the u-joints.

 

I'll check the diff. fluid and try that additive. How bad are the U joints to replace, is that something you can do laying under the truck in the driveway? I haven't been hard on the truck lately, maybe they just decided to give up.

 

Check to see that the center disconnect is disconnected. This can be done by jacking up the right front and spinning the tire with the truck in park/gear. If it spins then you are disconnected. If not check the slip collar in the axle on the right side. When the truck is not running it should disconnect anyway, as it is operated by vacuum.
As far as the u-joints are concerned, if you find you need to replace them, consider picking up, or renting, a u-joint press, as it will make things easier. You'll have to remove the rotor/hub from each side to get the axle out. You'll need a 1 11/16" socket for the axle nut. A 1 3/4" can be used.
Getting the hubs broken loose from the steering knuckle can be a pain, but members here have discovered that a strategically placed socket between a loosened bolt and the axle housing, along with a little power steering, will push them right out. You can search for this method here and see pics.

Chris

 

Thanks Stamey, I'll check that tomorrow AM. I didn't fool with the truck today, went fishing instead. Hopefully I'll get it figured out, got a list of things to do on the truck tomorrow.

 

Oh, I forgot, if you have to pull the hubs off, you'll need a 12 point 14mm socket for the hub bolts. This was a pain fo rme because I prefer 6 point sockets and did not have this one when I went to work on mine.

Chris

 

i you have to change the u joints make sure you clean the axle housing real good before installing it. mine was full of sand/mud and that will make short life for the seal and it's a BIG pain in the a$$ to change.

 

Well, the front wheel spun just fine. The front diff. was just a little low on gear oil, but I topped it off. So now I guess something expensive is wrong with it. Is there a way to test the U joints, before I pull it all apart? This started happening kind of suddenly, I would imagine (hope) that U joints would let you know for a while if they were on the way out. I am NOT looking forward to pulling the hubs, I've seen mechanics fight with my truck for days trying to install new brakes and rotors. It punishes technicians ruthlessly, I think if I take it on, one of us is gonna end up getting hurt.

 

Well, it quit on it's own. No idea what was causing it, but now it stopped. Lasted for 4 or 5 days I guess.