Ok in short, I believe that the spring in the front diff is shot. The one that pushed the cable back out when in 2wd. So what I did to keep it from humming and partiAlly engaging. I pulled the cable and locked it into place with vice grips. So now when I want 4x4 I just activate the t-case and off I go. The steering is still fine and there aren't Any unusual noises with it like this. So I was wondering of it is safe to leave it like that for now. Or will it have any long term damage.

 

Im gunna say dont leave it like that for long because it will cause more stress on front end parts when you are turning on dry pavement, and probably wear your tires out sooner. I do know that you are supposed to drive with your truck in 4hi for a few miles every couple months, so im not 100% sure if im correct in saying that its bad.

It wont cause serious damage tho. My friend has forgot to unlock his hubs for a long time before and it didnt do anything. and its basically the same thing.

 

you'll be fine leaving it like that, lot's of guys change to bravada shafts which are one piece so they are permanently engaged and they don't have any problems.

 

^^^ I stand corrected, I forgot about the bravada being always engaged.

I do believe that you will get a little worse gas mileage because you are turning everything in the differential. But i dont think it will be to much worse.

 

I think most people claim the mileage difference is very minor if they notice at all.

 

Excellent. That's what I figured. It's just a temp fix till I can rip apart the diff

 

lol. i did the same thing with my 85. though it was a offroad only truck. that thing was locked with vise grips the entire time i owned it.

 

no need to tare the diff apart to replace the cable tho

this should show you how to replace it

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attachm...ontaxel4x4-pdf

your gonna have to remove the cable housing on the diff tho its only 3 bolts and there should be a clip inside holding the cable in place

 

Thanks for sharing...I cleaned up the PDF a bit (sorry...I'm **** ).

Front Axle 4x4 Diagnosis & Repair