Chev 4 wheel drive actuator......again.

[Eric Wettschreck]

89 chev 1/2 ton 4x4. These gas filled 4 wheel drive actuators must be disposable as I end up replacing them pretty much anually. It's not a tough job but they're plenty spendy.

I've heard rumors there are electric actuators out there that are much more reliable and you don't have to sit there waiting for them to "Click in and out." Is there truth to these rumors?

I ask cuz mine just gave up the ghost......again.

[Macgyver55]

There is an update kit if I remember correctly Eric, it involves some wiring modification though .

The updated actuator needs an extra wire run back to the transfer case.

Also, after a quick search I found that there is even a manual conversion that uses a cable setup similar to an old style PTO knob to engage it. Not sure I'd go to that extreme, but it is an option.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Thanks Mac. You're right, I don't want to go that extreme. However, I do like the older "Linkage" stuff compared to the newer electronic stuff. Guess I just aged myself but linkage rods are cheaper and more reliable (in my world) than electronics.

Without seeing the upgrade I guess I'm a little confused about another wire to the transfer case. I'm wondering what it's for.

[Macgyver55]

I dont really remember, either. The older actuator has 2 wires and the newer one has 3. If I remember right, its goes to a sensor on the transfer case so the front axle wont engage unless the transfer case does.

[Macgyver55]

Eric, if you have the time I'd remove the actuator and test it, and look at the connector plug real good on the harness. Its possible its a problem with the connector and just unplugging it and putting it on the new one makes it work. I've never run into a vehicle that had multiple ones of these go bad.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Good advice Mac. I'll give it a look and post up what I find.

After football.

Hope ya understand.

Edit- Baltimore just missed an easy field goal. Headin to the garage to check things out.

[MJ1657]

I worked at a big dealership in the 90's.

There were days during snowfalls when I would come in to open and there would be a half dozen plow truck drivers sitting in the lot waiting for us to open to buy an actuator.

[Eric Wettschreck]

remove the actuator and test it, and look at the connector plug real good on the harness.

Actuators a goner. Voltage at the harness with a good connection. Pull the actuator and hit it with 12 American DC volts and it just sits there doing nothing.

[Macgyver55]

Another brand, or the upgrade....that is the question!

[Eric Wettschreck]

Since we're chatting about it. Ever since I've had this truck, with it's couple different actuators, it always takes like 10 seconds or so to engage into 4wd. Disengaging out of 4wd was always like 10 seconds or so, also.

Is this normal with these gas actuators or do I need to dig in and look for something deeper? I've been told that when they're cold they take their own sweet time, but I'm not an ASE guy so I don't know for sure.

[Macgyver55]

That sounds pretty typical from what I have seen.

[MJ1657]

Since we're chatting about it. Ever since I've had this truck, with it's couple different actuators, it always takes like 10 seconds or so to engage into 4wd. Disengaging out of 4wd was always like 10 seconds or so, also.

Is this normal with these gas actuators or do I need to dig in and look for something deeper? I've been told that when they're cold they take their own sweet time, but I'm not an ASE guy so I don't know for sure.

If you switch to the GM electric actuator it will go into 4x4 much faster. The old style actuator had to warm up for it to extend the electric is instant. Are you running synthetic lube in the front diff? If not synthetic 75w90 also helps.

[Eric Wettschreck]

After a quick trip to the parts store I found out I can replace 3 of these stock actuators for the price of the electric upgrade. Hopefully by then I'll have a newer truck.

4wd is working again.......for now.