Jump to content

Removal Of Fwd Diff Actuator

simon7mm

Recommended Posts

simon7mm Enthusiast

simon7mm

Posted
Posted

Hello,

 

I am new to this forum and new to GMC products, any help is GREATLY appreciated.

 

I have a 2003 GMC Sierra, the Front Differential is not engaging. I am suspecting the actuator. To me it looks like it would unscrew, there is a section on the actuator that is HEX, looks like to get a wrench on.

 

I tried (with not much force) but was afraid to crack the plastic.

 

Has anyone removed one of these that could give me a bit of advice so I don't wreck it if it is not the problem.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

PS I have verified that it is not electrical problem, it is something physical in the diff.

 

JS

simon7mm Enthusiast

simon7mm

Posted
  • Author
Posted
And here's a replacement actuator:

http://www.monsterautoparts.com/CHEVROLET/...x4_actuator.htm

 

 

Oh... and welcome to the site!

 

 

Awesome! I am going to check it out today. I verified the power, and I can actually hear the actuator once power is applied, but the front diff is definetly not engaging. If it is not the actuator, I will have to take the diff out and have a look inside.

 

Thanks for the info...and the welcome!

Cheers

Matt_ Senior Enthusiast

Matt_

Posted
Posted

How do you know the diff isn't engaging? It is an open differential.. so if you lose traction on one side that wheel will spin and the other won't.

simon7mm Enthusiast

simon7mm

Posted
  • Author
Posted
How do you know the diff isn't engaging? It is an open differential.. so if you lose traction on one side that wheel will spin and the other won't.

 

 

There is nothing spinning in the front. This was my trouble shooting....

 

Under the truck,

- Shifter in 2WD - Front Drive shaft spins free.

- Shifter in 4Hi - Front drive shaft locked.

- Put from 2WD to 4Hi, I can hear the actuator. Unplug the actuator and shift back to 2wd - Shaft spins.

 

My brother's truck is identical...

- When 2WD to 4Hi I hear the actuator then a click, unplug actuator shift to 2WD - Shaft still locked.

 

This seemed to be intermittent at first, because the 4wd worked sometimes....Except when I needed it. now it doesn't work at all. Although I can hear the actuator when I am shifting from 2-4, I am hoping it is the problem. I spoke to people who have changed them before, but they didn't work at all.

 

I will remove it this evening and borrow my brothers to try.

 

Thanks

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Chuck FB
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      Yes, and also pulling heavy trailers or a large camper up steep grades as well as descending grades such as the more rustic off road camping locations and using engine braking with that low gearing as well as soft ground can just suck the power . I realize pickups these days tend to have an over all lower first gear ratio compared to automatic transmission pickups from years back so that has helped a lot in its ability in high range but there comes a point if in four wheel drive the torque runs out at the wheels, certainly with a gas engine. They don't put two speed transfer cases on pickups for a cool factor, they have a function if one needs that massive torque to the wheels that high range can't deliver. 
    • Grumpy Bear
      Grumpy Bears 2015 Silverado 2WD

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Notes 7/18/2026   3,400 miles on this batch of Mobil 1 Euro 5W40 since the GDI pump replacement. Alcohol runs very clean when ring seal is tight and the sump isn't getting hosed with fuel. Checked oil level at fill up today as is my practice and grabbed a white Kleenex to look at the color. What color?  I was going to change it but.....  
    • Another JR
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By Another JR · Posted

      4 low is really nice on steep boat ramps. 
    • Chuck FB
      Gas Prices

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      Interesting, I suspect I would have fueled up in Lee Vining as the day prior I would have filled up either in Laughlin or near there and maybe again before I entered Death Valley and once out the other side late that evening as I kept on driving into the night up near Lee Vining. Next morning I most likely fueled up in LV before heading over Tioga Pass into ( as I refer to it as "Yose .... Mite" 😁 ). And again that was 19 years ago but the price then must not have jumped out at me like the 5 bill a gallon theme of nutty cult hippy country Big Sir or head so far up their rear Aspen. I'd be curious to know where the highest prices are in the lower 48, I probably would not be far off to guess somewhere in Cali forn ie. Coldfoot and Prudhoe bay may have those prices beat but that is a whole other world up there and when prices are more normal elsewhere that is about what they can be up there I believe in no mans land. Anyway interesting that the 395 corridor is hosing people and the thing is, its tourist season and its not like there are a lot of competition options when driving up that highway from what I could see. Yup, big ole Boaterhomes and various other RV's ahead and behind me at the Yosemite entrance gate and they have to get their fuel somewhere.  
    • Atlas
      Gas Prices

      By Atlas · Posted

      Those can be high, as well as the big California cities. The ones that will pop your eyes out are the 395 corridor on the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas. Lee Vining, $7.19 for regular and $8.89 for diesel is what the Google said right now.

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...