What exactly does the solenoid disconnect when the front diff is in 2wd? Does the ring & oinion turn when in 2wd? I know the short axles turn all the time, just wondering what else is moving. 15 yrs with GM front ends and no problems. 04.5 DA CC SB stock but shoping.

It disconnects the power transfer, Moves a slider gear that locks the power flow togather. Pics are worth a thousand pics on this and I have none

There is a syncronizer on the right output shaft. When disengaged, the left shaft just spins the spider gears.

Thanks Fingers. Now I understand. With the spiders turning all the time, sounds like synthetic in the front diff. would be a good thing.

Not trying to hijack your thread 308, but I'm looking for an answer on my 4x4 1500HD. The front drive shaft universal joints are GONE and need replacing ASAP. What I need to know is if its ok to remove the front shaft(transfer case to front diff) and still be able to drive the truck in 2 wheel hi. Seems to me that this should not be a problem as then the front diff. will just freewheel? Has anyone done this? Boy I hate being a newbie...any help would be appreciated..

Speaking of 4 wheel drives, I just had to replace the electronic shift motor and solenoid that connects to my transfer case (push button 4x4 in my 94 s-10 pickup). It would go into 4 low and 2 high but not into 4 high. Now I can see why the traditional shift lever transfer case (where the drivers arm is "the motor") is looking sweet to me: virtually no chance of it going bad due to electronics. Plus the price to buy that no electronic shift motor was $500 (no installation included).

First truck: I did that with my 1971 Chevy 4x4. I took the front drive shaft off and took it into the shop for new u joints and drove for 3 days that way. A few months later I also did it to the rear drive shaft and drove for a few days with front wheel drive (in 4x4 high). Drove that truck for years after and never had any problem.

thanks doug, but I'm being advised against it by Max, due to having the four button auto-4wd t-case, why? i dunno yet, still working on that part.

Doug, my 91 full size had the manual floor shift for the 4x4 but they all have an electronic solenoid that locks the front axle, mine went out at 70,000 but it only cost $60. Zero electronics means manual locking front hubs & manual shift.Can't get away from the electronics on a newer vehicle. Their trying to make them more user friendly (women drivers). For a $500 part I would have checked at the salvage yard.