I just got an 87 silverado 4x4. Its an automatic with manual hubs. When you turn the hubs from free theirs a kind of click as they come out free wheel but not one as they go into the locked position. Should they? I lock them, shift into neutral than shift the transfer case into 4h or 4l but it doesn't seem like the front wheels are getting any power.

 

Take it into some gravel or dirt and see if you spin the tires.

 

4 jack stands

 

even better lock it in 4 low and try to make a tight turn left or right make sure you are on pavement.....the front end should seem to "hop" while making the turn....why?? becouse both wheels are turning the same and cannot turn at diffrent speeds like in 2wd

 

Take it to the gravel and see if you can make a tight turn and look at the gravel, that should get your answer. Another thing that you should be doing is backing up 2 full rotations on the tires when locking and unlocking your 4x4. This will get all of the tension off of the drive train when locking and unlocking your hubs and transfercase.

As far as the front hubs, they will lock in once the gears get alligned. When you remove it from the locked position to free, they rely on the spring to unlock them. So it may take a rotation or two to get them completly out of gear. So also not a bad idea to back up and then drive forward when locking and unlocking your hubs.

Also look at weather or not your truck has locking differentials on your truck. If you need help with that, let us know.

Good luck and have fun!

 

Drive into some deep mud...Either you'll be cussin or smilin.

 

It works!

I did have a bad hub but its all fixed now.

 

Glad to hear it.