4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

[jsfinn]

I have a newish to me 95 Chevy 1500 Z71 pickup. I had a shop check it out after I bought it and they gave it the thumbs up and said everything worked fine, including the four wheel drive. I haven't had a reason to use the four wheel drive but figured I'd try it out tonight. We got a hard rain, so after when it stopped, I went out while the street was wet and put it in 4H.<br /><br />The manual says that the picture of the front wheel axles on the panel will light. That never happend. I never heard any clunks, it didn't feel any different, and the turning radius didn't change. I gave it a little gas and it felt like only the rear wheels were slipping. <br /><br />I shifted it 4 or 5 times between 2H and 4H with no change for the 10 or so minutes I was playing with it. <br /><br />I tried shifting at all different speeds from a full stop all the way up to about 20 MPH.<br /><br />I never tried 4L.<br /><br />Was I doing something wrong or should I start looking for a problem?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

I would try 4L just for the heck of it. I would also do this on a real loose surface, so that way any slippage happens easier. If it still isn't engaging the frt axle, do a search on here, cause someone had the exact same problem (it's common) with the front differential actuator. Not cheap, unfortunately.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

JS it is a common problem with the Chebby shift on the fly 4x4. The same kind of thing like brakes that barely stop the vehicle and wear out every 18k mi.<br /><br />Someone makes a manual control for them. Try putting it in 4 hi, slow to a stop then back up. See if your light comes on then. Please do report back.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

I am pretty sure that in 95 the 4wd used a vacuum actuator that was less than reliable. They make a manual conversion for it or the OEM is about $65. It was a common problem and even worse up in the northern climates.<br /><br />Try the 4wd low out.... if it does not work check out the actuator.

 

[Trent]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

It has an electrical actuator in the front differential. They are real easy to change. Last one I bought for mine was 75.00 at my local Chevy place. It is a common failure.

 

[all thumbs]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

Trent

It has an electrical actuator in the front differential. They are real easy to change. Last one I bought for mine was 75.00 at my local Chevy place. It is a common failure

Exactly on with my chevy, about same price too. a t

 

[jsfinn]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

Good deal. Thanks for the tips, everyone. As soon as I can find some time I'll take it down to a dirt road and try the 4x4 again.<br /><br />I read up on that manual lock deal.. It's about $175 from http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/ <br /><br />The dealership wants $130 for a replacment actuator... AARRGGHH!!<br /><br />I won't get to it for a few weeks so I'll post back and let you know how it turns out.<br /><br />I'm glad I got a good deal on this truck...but I'm still bitter about putting money into it.

 

[fixin]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

If you take it on a rock road,put it in 4 high and from a stop, turn it to the far left or right and acc. you should here the tires slip and spit rocks.<br />Mines a 98 and you wouldn't know it's in 4w drive unless you needed it.

 

[Trent]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

web page

 

[jsfinn]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

DY-NO-MITE! Thanks, Trent!

 

[jsfinn]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

Finally had some time and because it's starting to get cool out, I thought I'd get this done.<br /><br />Replaced the actuator and now everything works as it should. Shifts into 4x4 in about a half a second and the light lights up.<br /><br />Thanks for the help, everyone.

 

[Trent]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

Glad ya got her fixed.

 

[one more cast]

Re: 4 wheel drive on 95 Chevy 1500

I had an '88 Chevy 4x4 with elect. shift. I hated it, If I shifted into 4H going up a steep hill it wouldn't engage until the truck came to a stop and then it was to late.My '02 has mechanical shift and it is way better.