Hey all - just finished swapping in a HP44 in the front, and while test-driving to figure out caster/steering issues I tried to shift into 4HI to be sure nothing was binding in the front driveline. All I got was horrible grinding, like trying to shift into reverse too soon, even at 5MPH. With the D30 I could just pop that lever up into 4HI - don't even think I had to push the clutch in! Now I can't even shift into 4HI unless I'm at a dead stop. 4HI and 4LO both seem to be working as they should - any ideas?

I do have an Azzy's aftermarket linkage, and here's what it looks like in 2HI:



I am currently at 8+ degrees of caster trying to figure out why it's not stable at speed - maybe that IS causing something to bind? Also I've got locking hubs and they're both unlocked...

Thanks for any ideas!

 

Obvious question is whether the gear ratios are the same front and rear axle, but you say it works fine it you shift at a stop. The old D30 wasn't one with the axle disconnect was it?

 

Hey Lawson - yeah, I had them both regeared to 4.88 by the same guy. And does work fine once it's actually shifted! Just can't do it on the fly. I don't know anything about an axle disconnect - originally had a stock HP30 that I sold and put in a LP30 from a TJ (because it had 4.88s already and I was desperate to get out of the 3.07s on 35s, which is how I got it!)

It's not the end of the world that I have to stop to shift into 4, but I'm a little nervous about it since it used to work on the fly and now doesn't...

 

Okay. A 1995 shouldn't have had the disconnect.

 

It should shift at any speed without depressing the clutch.

 

Try it with the hubs locked. I'm thinking it might be grinding because you're trying to engage the front driveline while nothing is spinning. If your hubs are locked everything should already be spinning at the correct speed. That is how the Dana 30 behaved.

 

Yeah If it has locking hubs they need to be locked for sure to shift while moving.

 

OK would you all believe I just opened this thread to suggest exactly that!! Makes complete sense - if the hubs are unlocked, it's trying to engage the front drivetrain, which isn't moving at all. I'll definitely try it with the hubs locked - thanks all!! Feeling kind of stupid that I didn't figure that out on my own - first go with locking hubs for me!

 

Are you serious?
You're getting internet coal in your stocking come Christmas!!