Newbie to the site. I am looking to buy a 1995-2001 S10 Blazer. I looked at one ad and the guy said, "The front right hub won't unlock unless I pull a vacuum line" - didn't specify what line.

Then I drove a 2003. On the test drive I locked into 4H and the 4WD worked fine. I disengaged and waited for the 2L light to illuminate. I put it in drive and the hubs "popped" out of lock. Then I checked 4L and it worked fine. Again disengaged and waited for the 2L light. This time the hubs stay locked for about 50 feet and disengaged with a very loud clunk at about 10-15 mph.

Obviously I passed on the vehicle but my question is whether the hubs situation is a mechanical failure type situation or can this be related to servicing. My experience is as a kid when everything was mechanical/manual and front hubs needed to be pulled apart and cleaned and re-greased periodically...

So what say the experts on this new fangled push button 4WD situation...

Should hubs that don't unlock immediately be a "run away" item on a purchase?

PS - Both 4.3L with I presume a standard 4WD drivetrain setup...

 

For myself, I wouldn't run away from it, not now that I know more... I'm no expert either

 

Maybe you are not a complete expert but I did browse the forum a bit last night and was really impressed by your long running thread on your 99 build and mods. You are being a bit too humble , perhaps!

Well done...

 

Thank you sir, I was contemplating on putting an awd front end in, but now in looking more into a single axle swap.