Transmission help

Had the 90 on axle stands last night as I am doing the prep for waxoyl or similar.

So with both rear wheels off the ground, hand brake on, first gear engaged and I can spin the rear wheels by hand.

Surely if the car is in gear and it is 4WD I should not be able to spin the rear wheels by hand?

Can someone help me understand whats going on???

Your rear differential is working properly. Assuming the transmission brake (hand brake) is locking the rear prop I bet that if you spin one rear wheel forward the other one is turning backward. Will be the same on the front. Even with the centre diff lock engaged a standard Defender really only has two wheel drive. One at the front and one at the back. You need locking axle diffs for proper four wheel drive. Drop one of the rear wheels on to the deck and you wont be able to turn the other one.

Thanks Shifty - they do spin in opposite directions as you say. Well that is a relief that nothing is busted.

Thanks