Hello all. Forgive me if this has been answered elsewhere but I didn't see this mentioned and I thought I would ask. I just bought a 1981 f150 custom with the 302 engine and 4x4. That said today was the first snow we've had since I bought the truck and thought it would be an excellent chance to test the 4x4. I locked the hubs engaged the transfer case which incidentally you can hear and tried to drive when I immediately got stuck. Now you can hear the transfer case but the front tires are definitely not spinning. I'm wondering what it could be and what I need to start checking. I was told it could be the drive chain but I don't want to start throwing parts at it until I have some idea what it could be. Any input would be greatly appreciated thank you in advance.

 

Quick update the front and rear drive shafts turn, visualized by me with the car in 4x4. Also did the drive line manual spinning test and it will spin by hand. I had my father inlaw look at it and he thinks the right side hub doenst feel like its locking in. I'm thinking I might try to hit a pick and pull and try switching the hub out. Anyone know how intensive that will be?

 

Manual hubs arnt to bad. 10-15 minutes a few screws and sprilock and youll have it licked, but I wouldnt waste time putting used hubs on I'd just buy new ones.Cost alittle more for a little peace of mind

 

Well I ordered new mile marker 302s for the truck. Today I went out and took the hubs apart on the right side where the hub clearly wasn't locking. Anyway once I took the cover off all the hub parts shot out it looks like two of the lock rings weren't placed properly. So I put it back together and put the cap back on and what do you know now I have 4wd lol. I did have to bend the springs on the cover to get them to push the gear forward enough to lock in but now it works great! In still going to put the new ones in when they come but I'm pretty happy for now.

 

Thanks for your help Johnboy

 

Glad I could help