98 Silverado - How Manual 4x4 Works

[nubuilder]

I am looking at purchasing a 98 Silverado ext. cab, 350, with a floor shift 4x4. I am curious as to how the manual 4x4 compares with PushButton. Does the manual 4x4 automatically lockout the hubs? Do I get out of the truck to do so?

 

Basically, does manually shifting the transfercase into 2WD automatically lockout the hubs?

 

PS-anything I should look for in this truck (problems, highlights)

 

Thank you in advance for your help and advice.

[Kodiak450]

Manual hubs work like this. In order to drop it into 4wd you shift the lever on the floor into 4x4 H or low if you need raw power at low speeds, then turn the hubs switch to on. Manual hubs are the strongest and are less expensive to replace if they ever failed. I used to have automatic hubs on my F250 until they failed at 5:00am plowing during Presidents Day Blizzard 03. I replaced them with manual hubs and never ever had a problem again. I would keep the hubs in the lock postion all winter and shift to 4wd when needed. Sometimes there is a delay after shifting into 4wd, I'm not sure how GM's felt, but on the F250's you would hear a noise when they locked. I have automatics on my 2500 and shifter on the floor, which I prefer vs push button, it's more heavy duty and better to have when snow plowing. It's very easy to shift in and out, all you do is slightly apply pressure to handle and shift. Now to get into 4lo, I do believe the transmission needs to be in N in order to shift into 4lo, and back into N to shift out. 4lo is nothing but raw power and alot of TQ and when you give it gas you will be jerked in your seat usually. As far as shifting into 4wd when on the highway you can do it at highway speeds, say 45-50.

[L29er]

There are no "locking" hubs on this vehicle, as with the IFS suspension the C/V joints are connected to the wheel bearings and are not "unlockable" the way the system works is when you shift your t-case you are manually engaginng your t-case just like any other manual 4WD vehicle but on this chevy when you shift the t-case there is a ball switch located on the t-case that tells the truck if you are in 4WD HI or LO or wether you are in 2WD. it then sends a signal that actautes a acuator in the front differential assembly, this engages the front differential allowing for power distributed from your front driveshaft to turn the front tires, the differential is an open case and power will go to which even wheel has lease traction (unfortunatly)...

[nubuilder]

So when I shift into 2WD, the truck is setup to "automatically" disengauge the front drive assembly (shaft and diff). When shifted into 4WD, everything is connected and moving.

 

2WD saves wear and tear on the front diff. and drive shaft and also a little on gas mileage.

 

Thank you for your help. If it sounds as if I still don't clearly understand how it works PLEASE tell me.

 

---------Any advice on what to look for (good or bad) when buying a 98 Silverado used?----------------

[2000DV4.8]

So when I shift into 2WD, the truck is setup to "automatically" disengauge the front drive assembly (shaft and diff). When shifted into 4WD, everything is connected and moving.

 

2WD saves wear and tear on the front diff. and drive shaft and also a little on gas mileage.

 

Thank you for your help. If it sounds as if I still don't clearly understand how it works PLEASE tell me.

 

---------Any advice on what to look for (good or bad) when buying a 98 Silverado used?----------------

 

Yup, you got it. When in 2wd, the transfer case and front diff. disengage, so the front shaft doesn't spin, but the CV axles do still do.