GMC 4X4 SYSTEM
Question:
> I recently purchased a 1997 GMC 2500 diesel 4X4. Several people have told > me that this system in not as strong and reliable as the old GMC sysem (1987 > and older) with a solid front axle and Manual locking hubs. The old truck > on the market now with the manual locking hubs is the ford Superduty trucks. > Any comments on the automatic 4X4 system GMC presently uses would be > appreciated.
It uses a front axle disconnect with a gas/pnuematic actuator. I’ve heard people having troble with the actuator but I personally have never had a thing break with the system. It does take a minute or two for the actuator to engage, especially in cold weather. No locking hubs. The axles are always engaged. The spider gears in the front diff are always spinning but since there is no load on then when not engaged there is no wear. Dodge and ford also use this system now on a few of thier 4WD vehicles. — The Garage Mahal http://uscom.com/~hoot/
Response:
The reason you should use your 4×4 once in a while is so that your front driveshaft does not sit in once spot for too long of a period. Sitting in one spot, along with the vibration of normal driving tends to wear the u-joints, splines, and yokes more rapidly. This goes for any 4×4.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> just be sure to "lock it in" every month or so if you don’t use it often. > That’s what I’ve been told. I have had no problems with the GMC Jimmy’s > 4×4 >I recently purchased a 1997 GMC 2500 diesel 4X4. Several people have told >me that this system in not as strong and reliable as the old GMC sysem > (1987 >and older) with a solid front axle and Manual locking hubs. The old truck >on the market now with the manual locking hubs is the ford Superduty > trucks. >Any comments on the automatic 4X4 system GMC presently uses would be >appreciated.
Response:
I’m a mechanic in a transmission shop. The actuator gives very little trouble and is usually in stock at the dealer for around $100 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I recently purchased a 1997 GMC 2500 diesel 4X4. Several people have told > me that this system in not as strong and reliable as the old GMC sysem (1987 > and older) with a solid front axle and Manual locking hubs. The old truck > on the market now with the manual locking hubs is the ford Superduty trucks. > Any comments on the automatic 4X4 system GMC presently uses would be > appreciated. >It uses a front axle disconnect with a gas/pnuematic actuator. I’ve heard people >having troble with the actuator >but I personally have never had a thing break with the system. It does take a >minute or two for the actuator >to engage, especially in cold weather. No locking hubs. The axles are always >engaged. The spider gears in the >front diff are always spinning but since there is no load on then when not >engaged there is no wear. Dodge and >ford also use this system now on a few of thier 4WD vehicles.
Response:
I recently purchased a 1997 GMC 2500 diesel 4X4. Several people have told me that this system in not as strong and reliable as the old GMC sysem (1987 and older) with a solid front axle and Manual locking hubs. The old truck on the market now with the manual locking hubs is the ford Superduty trucks. Any comments on the automatic 4X4 system GMC presently uses would be appreciated.
Response:
ive had my 92 Chevy for about 3 years, i hae had absolutely no problems with it except for the relay, just purchase an extra relay for the 4×4 at any dealer ($5-15) and you will be set to go. -Nick
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I recently purchased a 1997 GMC 2500 diesel 4X4. Several people have told > me that this system in not as strong and reliable as the old GMC sysem (1987 > and older) with a solid front axle and Manual locking hubs. The old truck > on the market now with the manual locking hubs is the ford Superduty trucks. > Any comments on the automatic 4X4 system GMC presently uses would be > appreciated.
Response:
just be sure to "lock it in" every month or so if you don’t use it often. That’s what I’ve been told. I have had no problems with the GMC Jimmy’s 4×4 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I recently purchased a 1997 GMC 2500 diesel 4X4. Several people have told >me that this system in not as strong and reliable as the old GMC sysem (1987 >and older) with a solid front axle and Manual locking hubs. The old truck >on the market now with the manual locking hubs is the ford Superduty trucks. >Any comments on the automatic 4X4 system GMC presently uses would be >appreciated.
