Front Axle

[Rusty84]

84 Grand Wag Selectrac Front axle is in the locked position. Will this hurt anything to have it engaged all the time? Can I remove the axle shafts with it in the locked position?
AW

[Wagoneer622]

No, it is not going to hurt anything. I locked the one on my 83 all the time so I could have 4WD on the fly. I drove it around like this for 2 yrs. with no problems at all. Only problem was I could't get the vacuum lines right to get the transfer case to to engage, and would have to jump underneath the Wag with vise grips to use 4WD. It was fun when it was raining and doing this in the sand at the ramp to go on the beach to do some fishing.

[olin18]

Shouldn't hurt anything. A good thing to do is keep an eye on your front U joints. They will tend to wear a little faster, but not by much.

[Rusty84]

Thats the problem right now, they are trashed, I need to replace them, but I am wondering if I can pull the axle shafts with it stuck in lock.
AW

[Rusty84]

TTT

[joe]

I've never done it but the TSM doesn't say anything about the axle needing to be connected or not connected before removing. Once you get the outer axle shaft out you'll need to pull the cover and vac motor to get the inner axle and collar out though.

[LRRH]

I drove it around like this for 2 yrs. with no problems at all. Only problem was I could't get the vacuum lines right to get the transfer case to to engage, and would have to jump underneath the Wag with vise grips to use 4WD. Haha! Very true...my roommate has the same situation with his AMC Eagle. We locked the front axle and it drives fine, but we disconnected the shift motor because it wasn't holding vaccuum. He's a pro at dropping to his back and throwing the Eagle in 4!!!!

[Wagoneer622]

I'm glad that I am not the only one. Don't have to anymore with the 86 and the 87.