1996 Chevy Blazer 2dr 4x4 4.3L 154k

My wife was on the way home today from work in 4wd and she said she started to hear a noise from the front end but couldn't put her finger on it.

So when she got home I went ahead and took it for a test drive and when I accelerated it sound like a washboard on the passenger front area (old washboard with someone rubbing a stick on it), it didn't matter if I accelerated in reverse or drive the sound was there, also when I drive there is a lot of vibration in the front end, but only in 4wd (I believe its from bad front end parts). I am really worried it's the front diff that is causing this noise.

To help you help me I did the cable posi-lock for the actuator and I had resoder(sp) the front switch because the wires were broken or chewed through (also replaced vacuum switch above transfer case and the 4wd switch on the dash). New rear end in it with all new brakes in the back.

I don't even think the 4wd is even engaged because when you hit the gas on the snow it fish tails and 4lo is worthless.

Any help is appreciated.

 

Sounds like the engagement collar inside the front axle is partially engaged.

 

Not to sound stupid but where is it, what is it, and is it easy to repair (expensive)?

 

Have you tried a search? This is a common topic. And I did say that it is "inside the front axle".

I have posted pictures of the inner workings of the front diff a few times before so I know they are out there.

You may not have to repair the collar itself, but something is causing it not to release properly and from the sounds of it, it isn't engaging properly either. Almost like the cable from the axle to the old actuator location has froze up.