1981 GL Rear Differential Problem (no 4wd now)

[gadberry]

hello all,

 

1981 GL wagon 4wd - 4 speed tranny

 

I've searched the forum but didn't find an answer yet (though it's there, I know it is..)

 

Today, I realized i no longer have drive train power to the rear wheels when

i engage 4wheel high or low.. Drive shaft spins and a little clunkiness can be

heard but no spinny spin from the rear wheels.. Guess I played a lil too hard

last week during our last snow storm (wondered why i had a few slips coming home..)

 

anyways, I'm gonna begin a review of my factory manual to see what's likely the problem, but I thought I'd ask for help/input from you guys.

 

I do appreciate all the past/prsent/future help provided here!

 

too bad she's busted, we've had a historic snow event today..

 

cheers,

gadberry

NW Arkansas

[Numbchux]

My money is on a rear axle broken.

[gadberry]

I've not had a look at it on a lift yet but I'm hoping that the

the four flange bolts broke between the drive shaft and diff...

 

That may explain why i was able to drive it home (last week) while 4wd was engaged but without any apparent problems or really loud noises...

 

The only oddity was almost getting stuck on sn uphill, ice covered street.. Little

did I know, I didn't have all four wheels pulling

 

I figure if a rear axle broke, I would definitely notice/heard about it at 45mph

coming home... Or maybe not...

 

Thanks for the input. I'll get pics and post results once it warms a bit..

The car is kinda lodged in a snow drift at the moment..

 

Cheers

[gadberry]

Ok, I checked it out... Numbchux nailed it, the right rear axle is broken

and free spinning.

 

the outer joint is toast.

 

MWE axles are the way to go, right?

 

Cheerio