Testing 4x4

[rreegg]

Is there a way to verify 4x4 works? I’ve done the test where you try to drive perpendicular up a curb but it doesn’t seem very reliable. I can fairly easily go up a curb with 2H.

Asking because the 4x4 dash light doesn’t come on in 4H - but it does for 4L (both “low range” and “4x4” lights turn on).

Always assumed it worked and there was just some electrical issue preventing the light in 4H. With the front axle jacked up, hubs locked, and tcase in 4H I can spin a front wheel and see the front driveline rotate. But only one of the front wheels spins.

Any other ideas? Just realized the trans was in 4H after driving around for a few days like that on dry roads.
I’m not positive 4x4 works as expected in general. Pretty sure 4L works because it’s really obvious it’s active but just doesn’t seem 4H works.

 

[IDIBOBS]

If 4h doesn’t work then 4 low may not be working also. The way the t-case works it goes into 4wd then adds the low range on top of that. So just because you have low range does not mean your 4wd is working. In fact from your basic test of you have 1 tire off the ground and both hubs locked and transfer case if 4wd and transmission in park or in gear the the front wheel they is off the ground should not spin. If it’s spinning the front drive shaft the hubs work but t case has an issue. Try same test in 4 low as well.

 

[snicklas]

My unscientific method was to find a gravel road (or other loose surface) put in the 4x4 and goose the throttle. Look at the tracks that were made. If 4x4 is working, you should have at least 1 rear wheel and 1 front wheel that spins and leaves a mark (more if you have some type of LSD or Locker)

 

[Nero]

It may be a bad switch or wiring. If 4lo works I bet it does.
You could put the t case in 4 hi, leave hubs unlocked, and put a mark on the front driveshaft, see if it rotates.

 

[FrozenMerc]

Got any frozen lakes near by?

 

[Clb]

Normal
Open differential only turns 1 tire at a time. Best way is to jack up all 4 tires and fire it up in both hi and low range engagement of transmission will turn at least 1 tire in front and 2 AT THE REAR IF IT HAS LSD, or a locker...

 

[IDIBRONCO]

The 4X4 light doesn't mean much. The one in my 1985 works when it feels like it. Fortunately for me, it usually feels like working.

 

[MtnHaul]

If you're in 4x4 on dry pavement then turning while driving , low speed please, will feel weird and "grabby".

 

[ihc1470]

No guys the only way to test 4wd is to find a big mud bog and go for it. What fun are the other methods?

 

[franklin2]

Easiest way to test 4x4 is to find a grassy hill and back up it in 2wd till it starts spinning and won't go. Then lock the hubs if they are not in already and put it in 4x4 High. Then continue to back up the hill. If the 4x4 is working, it should go right up. No revving the engine, no spinning gravels required.

 

[Nero]

K so Franklin has no sense of adventure

 

[Clb]

This^^^
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Only way to test a 4x4

 

[mf7lakes]

Dry road - put it in 4-hi - turn hard right/left -- if it bucks, grabs, jerks while going forward in the turn -- it's workin'

 

[DaveBen]

Rubicon? Looks very familiar. I ran the Rubicon from about 1977 through 1988. It is so much different now...

 

[Cant Write]

This^^^

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Only wat to test a 4x4

That didn’t sound like a TDI swap to me………JUNK