bronco 4wd probs

[N-Smooth]

96 bronco
no signs of problems in 2wd
seems like it is the front end
when in 4wd it does not want to move, even when on a hill with clutch in or in neutral. drives but has some mean steering pull and slows itself down when i try to coast.
seems like something is causing some major friction but i don't know where. after i drove it yesterday i felt the locking hubs and the front diff to see if they were hot but they weren't.
the rearend was rebuilt like 1k miles ago and i even changed the fluid after break-in.

what could it be? i am going to check the hubs, front diff and t-case to see if anything is obvious.

any ideas would be great
-nate

 

[Milner]

First guess is a frozen/binding axle ujoint.

Are both frt/rear difs gears the same? Could also be a binding bearing or r/p.
But I still say ujoint first, due to the steering pull.

 

[N-Smooth]

i sure am glad you chimed in, i know you love ttb and all!
what would you check and how? i jacked up the front and spun the wheels and its not making any noises and turns easy. i also checked to make sure the diff had oil and it does, and it seems to be normal color and theres no metal in it.
what exactly do you mean by frozen ujoints? i looked at them and everything seems well.
should i pull the hubs and see if they have grease?

stupid bronco

 

[notajeep]

auto or manual hubs? Rear end was rebuilt with the same gear ratio? Can you turn the front driveshaft by hand when in 2wd?

 

[N-Smooth]

auto or manual hubs? Rear end was rebuilt with the same gear ratio? Can you turn the front driveshaft by hand when in 2wd?

manual. i can only assume the rear end has the same ratio, there is no way for me to be sure besides taking off the cover and looking on the gears. i don't know if that would cause it to not want to drive either. it does drive in 4wd but it sucks!

i can turn the driveshaft by hand in 2wd and 4wd. i can't figure out whats wrong with it.

i jacked up front and rear and idled it and turned the wheels back and forth and i can't find the problem.

 

[N-Smooth]

i couldn't get the hubs apart last night, the snapring on the shaft is solid, there aren't any openings for snap ring pliers or anything. the snap ring in the hub groove is impossible to get at as well.

 

[way2nosty]

quick way to compare gear ratios: if it's open both tires on one side in the air put case in 4w put chalk mark on the tires at the botton and one on the ground underneath it. Rotate tires several times 10-15 if the chalk lines line up each time (or are dang close ) 4.10 vs 4.11 etc. you're good there.

 

[lilsamiman]

I wouldnt think you should be able to turn the front driveshaft while in 4wd.

 

[N-Smooth]

its hard to find the ration this way with open diffs, but i will give it a try. this thing pisses me off!

quick way to compare gear ratios: if it's open both tires on one side in the air put case in 4w put chalk mark on the tires at the botton and one on the ground underneath it. Rotate tires several times 10-15 if the chalk lines line up each time (or are dang close ) 4.10 vs 4.11 etc. you're good there.

 

[Fat Tony]

I had a 89 Bronco with a T case problem, I later learned that the T cases in them suck, so you might want to check your case for problems.