GM slip joint style front diff/axle

[Drew99GT]

Does anyone know whether on the GM style 4wd systems that utilize a slip joint in the right front axleshaft to engage and disengage the front axle/wheels - when the system is in 2wd, since the left axle shaft in the front is not disengaged via a slip joint, does the front differential still turn when it's in 2wd?

I know on a system that has actual manual or auto locking hubs, when they are disengaged (along with the transfer case in 2wd), the front diff/drive shaft do not turn.

My brothers 96 GMC Jimmy has a massive leak in the front differential, and we want to see if it's still driveable in 2wd.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
...My brothers 96 GMC Jimmy has a massive leak in the front differential, and we want to see if it's still driveable in 2wd.


I would not drive it. Yes it has a front axle disconnect, but half of the front differential still remains live all the time. All the associated gears and bearings need that axle lube to survive. Running them low on oil is the #1 killer of these axle disconnect systems (no lock-out hubs).

Joel

 

[alreadygone]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
...My brothers 96 GMC Jimmy has a massive leak in the front differential, and we want to see if it's still driveable in 2wd.


I would not drive it. Yes it has a front axle disconnect, but half of the front differential still remains live all the time. All the associated gears and bearings need that axle lube to survive. Running them low on oil is the #1 killer of these axle disconnect systems (no lock-out hubs).

Joel


Total agreement.

Bob

 

[onion]

The carrier, ring gear, and pinion are not turning... but the spider gears ARE turning. Don't do it.