I bought this truck several years ago, and have finally decided to do something with it. Please bear with me as I am not that well versed on this truck. My issue is that it is 4x4 with no 2x4 option. only hi and lo and hi and lo LOC. After doing some research I have been further confused. some folks saying it is like an AWD system, thing about it, the truck has manual locking hubs. Also, if this is the case, is this a "special" truck to be fitted with this? If someone could explain this to me it would be greatly appriciated.
79 4x4 need a better understanding.
- Thread starter 79 sierra
- Start date
mogleybear
Member
I don't know exactly how it works, but my experience has been that it is not like a AWD. The only time the 4wd is actually engaged and powering the front is if the hubs are locked and you are in LOC. My only experience with this was with a 70's model Dodge, even with their automatic hubs at the time, it would not power the front until you put the transfer case in the LOC position.
ok, did you ever run it in just lo? im wondering if you only ever run in hi, or what purpose you would put it to lo? ..time to google a manual..and thanks for the info. im looking to make this truck into a "friend" for my jeep when offroading so christ i should at least figure out the blasted transfer case!
mogleybear
Member
From what I remember, even in lo, if it wasn't in LOC it didn't actually drive the front wheels. I had driven the truck over an embankment and the front wheels were on solid ground, the rear bumper hung on the embankment and the rear tires were not touching the ground. The front wouldn't pull the truck off the embankment until I put it in LOC. I tried both hi and lo, without putting it in LOC, no go, rear tires just spun. As soon as I put it in hi LOC, it pulled it right off.
1988IndySierra
New member
I have the 1979 factory service manual; wiring diagrams and owner's manual available for download if needed.
that's not true, i own one with the same set up. if it wasn't full time in high and not high loc then the back wheels would spin when accelerating on ice or gravel. my pickup will not spin back wheels when on slippery surfaces it drives around like a 4x4. it is in 4 wheel drive all the time
98trck
Member
growing up we has a '72 blazer and it was full time 4wd
late '70s they had a version called 'quad-dra-trac' or something like that
it was full time 4wd
both versions hubs had no unlocking ability always locked
and they got very bad gas mileage always spinning the front diff
PETE
late '70s they had a version called 'quad-dra-trac' or something like that
it was full time 4wd
both versions hubs had no unlocking ability always locked
and they got very bad gas mileage always spinning the front diff
PETE