4WD Problem on Series III

Hi,

I have a Series III, 88 from 1976. It has an overdrive fitted and freewheeling hubs.

I usually drive in 2WD - no problems. When I want to engage 4WD in High Range, I make sure the hubs are locked into 4wd and I push the yellow lever down. When I set off, the front wheels lock up and leave a trail of rubber on the road while the back wheels turn and bunny-hop it forward (or at least i believe it's the front wheels locking).

4WD disengages ok with a pull back and forward of the red lever, and all works ok again in 2WD.

There must be a problem somewhere, but I don't know enough about the gearbox to know. I'm assuming it's not something i'm doing wrong with the levers!

Any help greatly appreciated

Oliver

hi have you driven on the road with four wheel engaged, it sound like that the transfer box has (wound up),if so you should be able to jack one of the rear wheels up to allow it to unwind,this will require some patience dont force it,hope this helps lets know .

SEIFER said:

hi have you driven on the road with four wheel engaged, it sound like that the transfer box has (wound up),if so you should be able to jack one of the rear wheels up to allow it to unwind,this will require some patience dont force it,hope this helps lets know .

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If you haven't already done untold damage!

You can't drive on the road with 4WD if the conditions require it? Not that i've had a chance to anyway. The previous owner told me he put it into 4WD when it was raining, and i'm pretty sure he used it on the road.

Since i've had it, 4WD hasn't worked. Just tested it again on the driveway (not with any force!)- seems like it's the back wheels that are locking on and off..

Another Q (forgive my ignorance).. what do you mean by a "wound up" transfer box, and why would using 4WD on the road cause it (not that I would anyway)? Thanks for any help!!

Just found this on the internet, answered my own question really

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Permanent 4wd vehicles obviously use 4wd on the road. A differential on the drive shaft connecting the front and rear axles will enable this to be done safely with no adverse affects on the vehicle. In a selectable 4wd vehicle the lack of a centre differential means that 4wd should not be used on the road. When 4wd is selected the front and rear axles are locked together and therefore the front wheels, which usually travel greater distances, will have to 'lose' some power somewhere. This is done by the tyres slipping on the road surface and is obviously detrimental to the tyres. If the tyres do not slip and do the work of a differential then "wind-up" may occur.

Having said that using 4wd on the road is inadvisable it should be noted that periodic use of 4wd is recommended to avoid the transfer box, differential and wheels hubs from "drying out". If you use the vehicle regularly off-road then there is no problem but a lot of people buy 4wd vehicles and they never see a muddy track. In this case 4wd should be selected in order to circulate oil around the unused parts. If this is being done "on the road" then only do so in a straight line. This will avoid "wind up" and/or damage to the tyres. It is usually recommended to do this at least twice a year but as long as care is taken when doing so it cannot be done too frequently.

Reckon the 'misguided' previous owner has shot it to ****. Not sure unwinding it is going to make a great deal of difference. Worth a try, but I reckon the damage has been done.

4WD on a Series should only be used off road, on mud or loose material that'll allow the drivetrain to unwind by the wheels slipping a little.Wheels won't slip just because tarmac is a bit wet!

Thanks Grippa. So if I jack one rear wheel it might *slowly* unwind?

If it doesn't, then what's the likely prognosis? Note that 2WD drive is flawless.

Thanks!

Dunno, reckon it's mashed! I'd stick it up on four axle stands & run it in 2 & 4WD & see what the wheels do. Not come across a motor that's probably been driven so much in 4WD on tarmac before!

Any uvva ideas anyone?

where are ya, Oliver? Cud be a mashed T Box?. as Grippa sez - on 4 stands and see wot happens.

hi glad you are getting some help you cannot drive your landy on tarmac in the rain on 4 wheel drive,you can only use 4 wheel drive in snow or uneven ground this allows all wheels to move at different times stopping (wind up).seems like good info on trying to lift all wheels and see what happens you have nothing to loose lets know whot happens

this is a bit of a long shot... but is it possible somebodies gone and fitted a the wrong ratio diff to one of the axles? or even different size tyres?