Tahoe 4-wheel drive problem

[ntercept]

I have a 2002 Tahoe 5.3 4x4. I noticed this evening that the front drive shaft, between the front axle and transfer case, does not turn freely. It appears to be locked with the rear drive shaft at all times. In 2W, 4Hi, 4Lo and N. I thought it should be free moving when in 2Hi? On my 2003 silverado, I can turn the drive shaft when in 2Hi.

 

Is there a difference between the two? Should I be able to rotate the front drive shaft?

 

Thanks for the help

[Bish]

You should be able to spin it without spinning the rear in 2wd. My front driveshaft spins when in a lift in 2wd but it is just from the friction in the tcace and diff IMO. I can stop it if I want so it is definitely not engaged. I can spin the front when lifted but not running. If you really can't spin the front then it sounds like a T-case actuator problem. Surprise dyou are not getting a code. Does it bind when you make a tight turn in a parking lot? If not, then it is not really locked. If it does bind, most likely it is stuck engaged.

 

Good Luck.

[ntercept]

It is not locked to the front axle. The front axle solenoid and actuator is woking. The front drive shaft appears to be locked with the rear driveshaft.

 

Thanks

[Bish]

Got to be something with the t-case then. Only thing front and rear driveshafts have in common. I'm assuming the 4x4 switch lights up according to what you select even though it does not appear to be unlocking.

[ntercept]

Yes, the selector seems to be working fine. I can hear movement in the front axle and the transfer case when each button is selected.