Need a little brainstorming session here guys.

Just got my 99 back on the road after sitting for 4 years in a field. Surprisingly everything still works pretty good (after re-doing the brakes, putting in a new battery, and just general cleaning and maintenance).

Anywho, just found out my 4wd isn't working. So here's what I know.

1) First, the t-case does engage when I flip the switch. I see the dashboard light go on, I hear the motor on the t-case click, and when you move forward the front driveshaft spins. So power is getting to the front differential.

2) I just installed new Rugged Ridge Manual Hubs. I had a set of AVM's on there back in the day, but sold them. Now, one thing to note, is that I left the hubs open for 3 years (as I wasn't ever planning on using this truck again, at least not with the current drive train). I should also note that the first time I installed the hubs I forgot to lock them before installing them. So I took them off, made sure the locks still worked, re-installed them while locked, and I'm still not seeing anything. Is it possible something is messed with the wheel bearing itself since it was open for so long?

Anyone have any other ideas on what I can check? I mean I'm pretty sure the hubs are installed right, but I'm going to take them off again to make sure. I figure if it was something with the differential, I'd hear grinding or something, but it cruises down the road just fine.

 

Well, it's for sure the hubs. Everything spins out to the hubs.

It's almost like the spring that holds the outer gear in place when you go into locked either isn't strong enough to hold it in place, or the gears aren't syncing right (doubt it's the syncing part since if you push the hub half way on, and spin the wheel, you see the CV spin.

Going to contact the ebay seller I bought them from and see what they are willing to do.

 

to me it sounds like the 4x4 control module. Mine went out when i was stuck in a ditch. Its mounted under the passenger kick panel. Or it could be the transfer case motor they get sticky after a while. take the transfer motor off and tryto engauge see if motor runs if it does itsthe transfer case .