1993 K1500 4x4 won't work, front actuator is functioning

[Brian Moench]

Well the title pretty well covers it. The 4x4 on my '93 K1500 went out at the beginning of the summer. Figured it was just the front actuator and didn't put much thought into it until now. Did some tests and the actuator seemed bad so I ordered a new electric one with the upgrade kit. Installed that, it works fine...does it's thing... But despite that working (I can hear it actuate) the 4x4 will not engage, the front end just doesn't pull. High, low, makes no difference. I know my way around a set of tools and am comfortable working on my own vehicles, but I am no mechanic. I'm kind of at the end of my list of things to try so here I am. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[00Silverado4x4]

Have you made sure the transfer case is indeed shifting?

[grampadirt]

If you have access to a lift carefully lift it off the ground while engine is running,in gear and with it in 4h or 4l and watch how everything works.Although I've never done this I know it's been done.Remember.....safely.

[Brian Moench]

Update: This morning it worked just fine. Took it out of 4wd on my way to lunch tho and now it doesn't want to go back in. Thoughts?

[Brian Moench]

Also, I think the cable is pulling all the way, I'll have to double check that tonight tho.

[Jsdirt]

As long as your 100% sure that cable is pulling all the way, it sounds like the same problem my '89 S10 Blazer has. Busted internals in the front diff. Exactly what remains to be seen, as I've (for the moment) lost motivation to tackle it. Got a fleet of other junk that needs attention ....

 

If I remember right, R&R'ing a front diff on the full size is 20x easier than on this S10, so should be a fairly straightforward job to get it out on a bench and opened up to see wtf happened in there. I've got so many hours into this Blazer that I just can't get the motivation to screw with it. It sits waiting for the next project to come my way. Rest of the driveline is still very usable.