Please tell me what I have done!!!

cst756 · #1 03-31-2009, 05:02 PM

Just got finished installing an Aussie locker on the front of my 86 GW (Dana 44). Think everything went smoothly, until I test drive it. Almost impossible to steer to the right. When I was in reverse its like the right wheel locks up and drags. Oh yeah, this is in 2wd, symptoms are the exact same in 4wd. There is also a squeal, sounds like the ps pump (new noise of the day).

Also almost can not turn the wheel to the right when I am stopped and in park. The left side seems to be fine. I noticed that when I finally get the wheel turned right it shoots back to the middle. So what I have done wrong? Guess I go back and start again. Any advice would be a great help.

ne715 · #2 03-31-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cst756

Just got finished installing an Aussie locker on the front of my 86 GW (Dana 44). Think everything went smoothly, until I test drive it. Almost impossible to steer to the right. When I was in reverse its like the right wheel locks up and drags. Oh yeah, this is in 2wd, symptoms are the exact same in 4wd. There is also a squeal, sounds like the ps pump (new noise of the day).

Also almost can not turn the wheel to the right when I am stopped and in park. The left side seems to be fine. I noticed that when I finally get the wheel turned right it shoots back to the middle. So what I have done wrong? Guess I go back and start again. Any advice would be a great help.

The critical item I found when I did my Aussie (in the back) was that the gap between the center pin and side caps and distance between the clutch halves needs to be toward the high side of the tolerance. This solved my popping problem with my Aussie but has not worked on my Detroit. I have had to install re-shim, re-install and re-shim the Detroit several times and it is still not right. It will drive about 1/4 block and catch and release with the most nasty "pop." Needless to say the Detroit has given me more trouble than my Aussie ever did.
Good luck

cst756 · #3 03-31-2009, 05:17 PM

I don't even think mine will make it any where on the street.

Dirtball · #4 03-31-2009, 05:46 PM

Make sure it's unlocked. Jack up the frontend. Try spinning the wheels. Get back with us as to what happens.

j20brett · #5 03-31-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cst756

Just got finished installing an Aussie locker on the front of my 86 GW (Dana 44). Think everything went smoothly, until I test drive it. Almost impossible to steer to the right. When I was in reverse its like the right wheel locks up and drags. Oh yeah, this is in 2wd, symptoms are the exact same in 4wd. There is also a squeal, sounds like the ps pump (new noise of the day).

Also almost can not turn the wheel to the right when I am stopped and in park. The left side seems to be fine. I noticed that when I finally get the wheel turned right it shoots back to the middle. So what I have done wrong? Guess I go back and start again. Any advice would be a great help.

Do you have locking hubs? What tcase? What happens if you pull the fornt wheels off the ground and turn the steering wheel? Any binding? Did you put everything back in right? I installed mine very OUT of spec, as in there was ZERO tolerance between the center pin and side cups and it all works fine for me. Makes the clicking noise as i turn sharp with hubs locked in but in 2wd. Im not really worried about it as it doesnt wee street use and is a temporary front axle til i go d60. Is there any play in the tire/wheel with the front end up? Seems like there is more to it than just the locker...

cst756 · #6 03-31-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j20brett

Do you have locking hubs? What tcase? What happens if you pull the fornt wheels off the ground and turn the steering wheel? Any binding? Did you put everything back in right? I installed mine very OUT of spec, as in there was ZERO tolerance between the center pin and side cups and it all works fine for me. Makes the clicking noise as i turn sharp with hubs locked in but in 2wd. Im not really worried about it as it doesnt wee street use and is a temporary front axle til i go d60. Is there any play in the tire/wheel with the front end up? Seems like there is more to it than just the locker...

No locking hubs NP228. I'll have to get back to you on the rest.

Dirtball · #7 03-31-2009, 06:16 PM

Front axle disconnect? When you jack up the frontend can you turn driveshaft? Just trying to come up with things to help diagnose...

cst756 · #8 03-31-2009, 06:51 PM

maybe a stupid question, but after I get it off the ground should I be in park? I was hoping it was going to be something simple like the axle not being in good, but good luck is not what i usually get.

j20brett · #9 03-31-2009, 06:59 PM

Yes, park and 2wd

duncanstives · #10 03-31-2009, 07:21 PM

Hmm... The locker may be not unlocking but to tell you the truth it sounds like something other than the locker... Did you like WAY overtighten the spindle nut on one side? I am guessing one wheel is refusing to turn.

Dirtball · #11 03-31-2009, 07:34 PM

Good call... that's part of what I'm trying to determine with my suggestions... I still don't know why he wouldn't be able to just turn it though...

If you read this while it's up in the air... see if you can steer it right and left... just make sure the rear wheels are chocked properly and that the frontend is really securely in the air.

**Tad** · #12 03-31-2009, 07:53 PM

I don't know much about '80's stuff but is your '86 not a NP228?
I could be very wrong here (if so, please accept my apology) but isn't a NP228 a FT case?
I have never seen one (a NP228) running locking hubs.
I know the 228 is not the viscous coupler thing but I'm just thinking there may be some interference between having drive slugs and a locker with that t-case?
I honestly do not know, never ran one, just tossing this out for consideration (that and I have to install a 228 here shortly for a buddy).

*FSJ Guy* · #13 03-31-2009, 10:11 PM

The NP228 just has a center differential, no viscous coupling. It will still differentiate between the front and rear drive shafts, however.

In *theory*, in stock rig, if you raised just ONE wheel, the truck would not move. But I have never seen this happen.

I don't see how the 228 would be the cause of the binding.

DAHoyle · #14 04-01-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSJ Guy

The NP228 just has a center differential, no viscous coupling. It will still differentiate between the front and rear drive shafts, however.

In *theory*, in stock rig, if you raised just ONE wheel, the truck would not move. But I have never seen this happen.

I don't see how the 228 would be the cause of the binding.

The 228 isn't likely to causing the binding. It is quite likely a combination of bad setup, and the lack of locking hubs. When it senses a difference between the 2 side gears, it will try to lock up. Since the drivers side axle is freewheeling, as seen by the locker, but the passengers side isn't, I can easily imagine some strange characteristics, because the passengers side is always tied to the transfer case.

First and foremost, I would have to ask about the surface. If you are trying to drive a locked front axle on pavement, then it is not going to want to turn, period.

elbastardo · #15 04-01-2009, 07:12 AM

I ran the aussie in my XJ (no hubbs). It was a 96 so it was a non disco front end. The only time i had any problems even close to yours was the time i hit the pavment in 4hi, a short trip at that, I turned one corner SLIGHTLY on dry pavment and you could feel the binding in the front (I feel more and id of done axles the next day). A front locker will naturaly want to return to neutral.

I dont know anything about your Tcase. But Eliminating power to the front axle might help, asin pulling the driveline. That will tell you weather it is in the front axle or Tcase.

Chevelleguy · #16 04-01-2009, 07:38 AM

The 228 is a full time/part time case. It can be shifted to 2WD.

newtojeeps · #17 04-01-2009, 08:48 AM

Are all the vacuum lines on the front axle hooked up? did you maybe split on of the vacuum lines taking them off or bumping them? If you did take them off did you put them back on correctly?

j20brett · #18 04-01-2009, 09:47 AM

Is the 86 a disconnect front axle? if one side is connected in 2hi while the other is free wheeling, wouldnt that cause an issue? He could lock the disconnect in the engaged position to fix that problem

DAHoyle · #19 04-01-2009, 11:03 AM

Think it's time to quit guessing and come up with a plan for troubleshooting.

The first thing I would try is to drop the front driveshaft, and put it in 2 HI.

If the problem goes away, it is somehow connected to the t-case.

If the vehicle doesn't move, it is locked in AWD mode, and all the power would go thru the t-case differential to the front yoke, which wouldn't be hooked up. If that was the case, I would assume the 2-4wd function of the t-case was not working.

Does the 228 have a vacuum controller for 2 to 4 wheel drive, like the 229.

It is quite likely that it isn't working properly, if it has one. That would have the front right wheel always tied to the rear axle, while the front left could freewheel, assuming the front axle disconnect is working. That would certainly cause some strange symptoms.

Disconnecting the driveshaft would be my first step in finding the problem. I have a sneaking suspicion that the disconnect is working properly, and that the t-case isn't. Call it a hunch.

cajun_lad · #20 04-01-2009, 11:07 AM

Guys,
He has the dreaded 86 GW. Should be vacuum disconnect front axle. Sounds like it isn't disengaging in 2wd mode, thus steering like its in 4wd.

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