rbread80

I am looking at getting my first truck, and found a 1996 T100 w/ only 80,000 miles that I'm looking at. The only problem with it that I am aware of is that the 4x4 is nonfunctional. I know this is vague, but as a truck newbie, how big of a problem is this if I really just want to run it on the street? How much does 4x4 repair cost on these trucks? What should I look for when I inspect it (I haven't seen it in person yet)? A friend of mine told me that if the 4x4 isn't used, it can sieze up, but another friend said that at 80k miles they probably ran it real hard and broke something. I'm hoping someone who has more experience can give me some info before I go look at it this week. Thanks!

BamZipPow

Most of the time it's the VSV (vacuum switched valve) that needs the attention. Could the the contacts on the actuator...or the vacuum lines going to the VSVs. You'll have to do yer homework and see if that's what you can handle on fixing it yerself or paying someone to do it.

Haven't seen a 4WD that seized up from not being used...more like not working from being used as the contacts/lubrication fer the actuator isn't distributed from being used.

The key is to learn as much as you can about the T-100 model yer looking to buy so you have some sort of knowledge of what to look fer when you go to see it. Good luck and post up some piccies of it when you git the chance...regardless if you buy it or not.

Yopar

iTrader: (2)

Put it in 4wd and see if the front driveshaft is turning when you move (have someone look for you). Hopefully it is. If it is, then check the vacuum switch like he said, to make sure the differential is putting power out to the CV axles. There is a vacuum canister down on the differential, on the driver side, make sure it's got the hose hooked up and it's getting vacuum.

If it's been treated well, I bet nothing is really broken, with only 80k miles on it, I bet it's something simple.