Front axle wont engage...

[Spence1986]

96 Dodge Cummins..

The Transfer case goes into 4wd but the Front Actuator wont engage. I can get it to engage if i use the air compressor and an air gun but it doesn't last very long. For instance i tried to get it working today with the help of the air gun it locked the front in Then i put the T-case lever in 4wd and back into 2wd a couple times while i was messing around in the parking lot. It went into 2wd and back into 4wd 2 times then it just hangs up or something in 2wd.. A new actuator is $150 i don't know if thats the problem though. Probably going to try that on Friday but any other ideas what could be causeing it to do this?


Thanks
Russ

[Spence1986]

Its a Dana 60 Axle if that matters or not..

[sonic]

Originally Posted by 96DodgeCTD

96 Dodge Cummins..

The Transfer case goes into 4wd but the Front Actuator wont engage. I can get it to engage if i use the air compressor and an air gun but it doesn't last very long. For instance i tried to get it working today with the help of the air gun it locked the front in Then i put the T-case lever in 4wd and back into 2wd a couple times while i was messing around in the parking lot. It went into 2wd and back into 4wd 2 times then it just hangs up or something in 2wd.. A new actuator is $150 i don't know if thats the problem though. Probably going to try that on Friday but any other ideas what could be causeing it to do this?


Thanks
Russ

Here see if you can read this for a diag proceedure. Dont know if this helps or if you'll even be able to read it but I'll keep trying for ya. Are you sure its not just some vacume leak causing the problem?



Mark

[noodles]

Originally Posted by sonic

Here see if you can read this for a diag proceedure. Dont know if this helps or if you'll even be able to read it but I'll keep trying for ya. Are you sure its not just some vacume leak causing the problem?



Mark

I can post a flow chart if you want me to, ive got a 94 manual. also, i woudl go witha posi lock instead of a new acutator its only like $30-40 more.

[sonic]

wow it showed up a LOT bigger when I posted that. that sucks. sorry...


Try this, click the pic:

[Spence1986]

Its wierd how it works when it wants too. Like when i bought the truck it worked when ever i needed it for the first 4 Months then it just would work when it wanted to and now it only works if i Shoot the air gun into it a couple times to losen up almost like there is corrision in it but i took it all apart and cleaned it. I did the diagram off of Mitchell and it pointed to the actuator. I thought i could fix it a little cheaper..


I found a Posi-Lok on ebay for $175 probably get one of those if i can't fix the actuator i have now.


Thanks for the help
Russ

[sonic]

nope didn't work either. sorry

[noodles]

thats a decient deal, but I know alot of places will beat others prices so id shop around. But yeah that will eliminate your problem.

[PavementPounder]

Originally Posted by 96DodgeCTD

I found a Posi-Lok on ebay for $175 probably get one of those if i can't fix the actuator i have now.

Are you sure its the kit for your Ram? Kit # 1100?

http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_dodge.html

[Yetti]

just for my own stupid questions list, did you check to see if the Vacuum pump is working? I was wondering because it falls into the time & miles when they fail

[Spence1986]

Ya i checked to see if it was working and it is.. You can feel the vacuum on the line its just the actuator isn't working like binding up or something o well though i ordered One off of Ebay was $189 for everything. should be here by Wednesday.