Front axle not engagin in 4x4

[omegalita]

Hi
Unfortunately, I have a new problem with my Gator: the front axle will not engage in 4x4...
On the rear axle I have 4x4 in the low position, so it can not be the transfer case, right?

It can be either the solenoid or actuator?

How can i remove the actuator?
Where can i buy the solenoids? (In Switzerland not available...)

Or Would it be the best to change to the Posi-Lock system? (would this be the right one: http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/pos-750/overview/ ?)

Thanks for your input

 

[tonydiv]

Sometimes what happens is that the steel shaft of the center axle disconnect lever on the axle gets galled up going through the aluminum axle housing. Spraying it with a penetrating oil and moving it back and forth will loosen it up.

It's also a good time to check the vacuum actuators (on the firewall by the battery) and the vacuum "motor" on the axle.

One of those actuators pulls the center axle disconnect "on" the other pulls it "off".
With the engine running, pull off the vacuum lines to the vacuum motor and have someone move the switch on the dash between 2 and 4wd. You should feel vacuum on one line and then the other (but not both at the same time).


I love the posi lok. But you'll still have to make sure that the center axle disconnect lever moves freely, to use it.

 

[omegalita]

That means that I can move the center axle disconnect lever theoretically by hand, even with still installed actuator?

EDIT: Was just out in the barn and have tested it: it can be moved by hand

Now also works the 4x4 again ... weird ...

But I'm going to order the Posi-Lock ... ;-)

 

[tonydiv]

It could be a vacuum issue. But you won't have to worry about all that anymore once the posi-lok is installed.

 

[omegalita]

I've made the order...

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

How easy is it to install it?

 

[tonydiv]

The instructions are very clear, but here are the basic highlights.
The cable runs from under the dash, through the firewall, up over the radiator and then loops down to the front axle. Although it takes some time and patience to route and secure it, it really isn't all that hard.

I had to clean up the mounting bracket on the axle (where you remove the vacuum actuator from) with a file to get the Posi lok cable bracket to fit nice.

I did forget to put the boot on the end of the cable and had to pull it half way out to install it. But you won't make that mistake now.

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

Thanks!! I do a lot of night hunting and I wouldn't like to be stuck in the middle of a forest lol