I was having a problem with my front differential "locking in". replaced the actuator cable, thinking it was seized, but that's not it.

With the cable out, and me under the truck, I pulled on the piece it attaches to, while rotating the front driveshaft. With it pulled out as far as it went, the drive shaft felt like it was catching slightly, but it never really locked up like it has in the past.

after viewing this thread: 4x4 Front Differential Operation Explained & Grinding from Front End - S-10 Forum I'm thinking I'll have to open it up and see what the problem is. Maybe the teeth are all chewed up on one of those gears?

If you've ever had yours open, any advice or input is appreciated! Thanks!

 

Nice link, shows exactly what you're up against. Unfortunately it's a pretty common problem. Torn up gears and clutch are usually the result of the vacuum switch leaking and partially activating the axle actuator under the battery. Makes a very noticeable grinding noise in the front end. Not a difficult job at all, just time consuming, and your hands will stink like 80W90 for a few days

 

That sounds quite similar to what's going on with the front axle of my '98 Jimmy. I still haven't pulled the axle shaft to investigate. One of these days I'll get around to it. Let me know how yours turns out. I'm curious to know how it goes.

 

Hopefully it's not too bad. With the previous owners this thing had, I wouldn't doubt if they just turned up the radio to not have to listen to the grinding!

I'll probably wait until after the first of the year and take a vacation day to do it. I want to have plenty of time to work on it.

It doesn't require the front diff to be removed from the vehicle, does it? From that link, it doesn't look like it does.

 

Only the axle tube needs to be removed, not the entire differential.

 

im going to have to do this on mine also...

 

this is from my old crew cab.

 

What were you doing when this happened? From the photo it appears it just snapped as opposed to being twisted.

 

Driving with a busted rear diff in 4wd. It was pulling by the front wheels only. The rear diff failed about 4 miles before this. The rear looked like so...

 

Wow! I haven't seen that type of carnage since my racing days tearing up gm 7.5's. I apologize for jumping this thread.