Re: I had my early 80's Jimmy towed and 4wd doesn't engage anymore

On Tue, 08 May 2007 22:34:35 -0400, Mark <bababooie (AT) mailinator (DOT) com>
wrote:

About 1/2 hour after it was off the wrecker, I noticed the front hubs were
hotter than a son of a ......

I tried putting it in 4H and 4L, but the auto hubs don't feel like they engaged.
In the mud, only the rear wheels would slip - it was definitely only in 2wd.

I'm going to let it sit overnight and try again tomorrow night after it's cool.

What's the consensus - am I screwed? If I'm lucky and it works tomorrow, is
there something I should do to make sure I don't do further damage? I'm new to
4wd, but handy in general with automotive work so I'm not afraid to rip
something apart.

Thanks for any help.

Is this a mini blazer/jimmy or fullsized.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

On Tue, 08 May 2007 22:40:52 -0400, Mark <bababooie (AT) mailinator (DOT) com>
wrote:

Oh, wait - I think I know what you mean. It's the fullsize before they made
them smaller. It's like the size of a Suburban, but shorter in length.

Okay. If you have auto locking hubs like I do on my 89 suburban, they
are designed to disengage when moved backwards in 2wd. The fact that
yours were really hot is not a good sign. While my hubs have been
trouble free since it was new I have never had mine towed. At this
stage of the game I suggest that you pull one of the hubs to inspect
it and see if it has been damaged regardless of whether they start
working again on their own which I think is not too likely anyway. It
does not sound encouraging. There may be some liabilty on the tow
company as when in doubt they should use a dolly. You do have my
curiousity up though and I will have to refresh my memory on the
internal design of them. I have had mine appart a few time to check
lube in them and they come off easily. Make sure you do not loose the
little bearing that rides in the end of axle stub inside of hub when
it is in 2wd.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

On Wed, 09 May 2007 09:03:45 -0400, Mark <bababooie (AT) mailinator (DOT) com>
wrote:

Yea, it's no better today after cooling down. Do you know of any good web
references that would show the guts of a system similar to this to give me
something to work with?

Also, in your opinion, do you think it's better/easier/cheaper to replace the
auto hubs or go to manual ones at this point?

I have the factory manuals here and I can post info on request but my
site is down for moment because of server hardware issues. I am hoping
the it is back up today as it has been down for a few days. As far as
the hubs if they need replacing, if they are toast it would be cheaper
to put manual ones on at this point.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

On Wed, 09 May 2007 09:03:45 -0400, Mark <bababooie (AT) mailinator (DOT) com>
wrote:

I could try and go after the tow company, but I have a feeling that would be a
huge uphill battle.

Not if you brought it damaged parts and bills. If they say no, take
them to small claims court because they are most likely liable.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

uploaded diagram here
http://members.shaw.ca/richard_foster/hub.jpg
tried earlier but it didn't go thru


"Mark" <bababooie (AT) mailinator (DOT) com> wrote

About 1/2 hour after it was off the wrecker, I noticed the front hubs were
hotter than a son of a ......

I tried putting it in 4H and 4L, but the auto hubs don't feel like they
engaged.
In the mud, only the rear wheels would slip - it was definitely only in
2wd.

I'm going to let it sit overnight and try again tomorrow night after it's
cool.

What's the consensus - am I screwed? If I'm lucky and it works tomorrow,
is
there something I should do to make sure I don't do further damage? I'm
new to
4wd, but handy in general with automotive work so I'm not afraid to rip
something apart.

Thanks for any help.