4 X 4 quit working. Need advice

[lakeleader]

I have a great 96 Geo Tracker in almost showroom condition. [Bought it on Ebay from AZ] I got caught in a blizzard in Madison, WI last week. Turned in the hubs, engaged the 4 by 4 [high] and the Tracker got me through just fine. [200 cars stranded on the freeway, but not me] Next day, while still in 4 wheel drive, I parked the car, went to work. 6 hours later I returned and, before I could even leave the parking ramp, the car seemed to be 'binding' in the front end. I turned out the hubs and it seemed okay. BUT . . . I forgot to disengage the 4x4 shift lever. 300 miles later I needed the 4 wheel Drive again. Turned in the hubs, engaged and NOTHING. I banged on the hubs w/ a rubber hammer, no change. I parked it on the ice and checked it out to find the drive shaft from Tranny to front transfer case was turning but the front axles were not [neither side turned]. So it seems as though it may be a problem in the front transfer case. Rear end works fine. I sure would appreciate some advice and direction. I live in NW Wisconsin where the 4X4 is much more than a convenience. Thanks in advance!

[Dave 1]

really sounds like the hubs are stuck in the retracted position
try backing up a bit
if you have access to a jack try lifting one side and see if you can hear the hub engage or feel anything while turning the wheel by hand
I've had it where the springs in the hubs rust and break keeping the hubs retracted
hope this helps

[jtgh]

you are on the right track (no pun)
but that statement "tranny to front transfer case"

no I am sorry ,that is not correct.
you can see 4 shafts under there, the left and right front. the front prop shaft
and the rear prop shaft.

i will try to decode, you are saying my front prop shaft is not turning,?
if that is true. then the 4wd lever is stuck between positions, common !!!
or the detents springs balls inside are bad.(causing wont hold a gear) (not likely on yours)

that front prop shaft must turn, if it does ,then the front axle must turn, if not big problem. (broken ring /pinion, no, no way)
if front axles turn and wheels don't then ,locking hubs need full service.
remove them and clean them like new.
lightly grease them with marine gp grease (never PACK THEM) (the lockers Im talking)
then put back new gaskets and o-rings to keep out the ICE.

that will get you on the, right track.

cheers.

Happy trails,

aint it great passing cars in the ditch.
weight is the killer, offroad or on ice.
but balance of weight is right up there.... (both good, just go slow)

any speed is better than 0.
you are lucky to find that AZ car. no rust. wonder why others dont do that.

[lakeleader]

Thanks for the good tips. I just checked it out again. [I parked it on my ice covered driveway, up against a snow bank, and let it spin on the ice.] I was wrong. the front axel IS turning. So . . . it must be the hub that's the issue. I'll either take it off and explore or take it in to a local mechanic who has some experience with this.

Question: My old Sidekick had auto engaging hubs. Is it possible to get these from a yard and use on my 'new' tracker?

Also, what am I going to find when I pull that hub?

Yes, I am also surprised that others don't buy these gas saving sunbelt 4 by 4s through Ebay. My '96 cost just $2,600 and was in almost perfect condition, 140k, just a babe! [I sold my VERY rusty but trusty '94 Sidekick JX for $2,200. It had 200k and was running like a Timex!] My wife and I flew to Vegas, had a great vacation both in LV and at the north rim of the Grand Canyon on our way back. We are extremely pleased with our purchase! Ebay and similar services are the only way to buy these old rust-free gems. I am sure our other old car [94 Camry] will be replaced by another sun belt auto looking for a good home. BTW, before finding our Tracker, I bid on, but did not win, a 96 JLX in Florida that had 35k and went for just $4,000. So it goes! Again, thanks for the tips!

[jtgh]

if lockers, it is just dirty , and or rusted inside.
most can just be cleaned and lubed (long as spring is not busted)
the autos can be loved or hated.
for example how to get auto engaged if you are stuck. hummmm

but alas, some genius here, said and I paraphrase badly.

one does this with auto hubs. just engage 4wd, next gently go fwd and back wards, rocking, and bingo, you will here, clink.
any way it is posssible and no I have not done it, cuz i
Love locks.

yah the RV'ers love kicks so much (light) they bid not runner ones to 2k here. hard to believe on a 1991 or 92. but see it all the time
on craigs and fleebay.

BTW, have bought and sold major on craigs many times in 2 years
8 motorcycles, 4 cars, and 1 boat and dirt bike trailer.
the people who use craigs are bar none the best people out there.
They even show up when they make appointments.

Heck that's a great trip, LV and the canyon , and a car.
wow ! sounds like fun.

happy kicking !

cheers