Safe to drive without front driveshaft, tcase stuck in 4Hi

WhiteOut1986 · May 13

2020 Sierra 6.6L 2500HD gas

It seems that the transfer case is stuck in 4Hi, dash indicator shows 2wd but get the 4hi binding and popping when turning sharply at low speeds, probably the actuator going bad. Have cycled it to neutral, let it roll forwards and backwards in neutral to see it that resolves.

Is it possible to remove the front driveshaft and run that way as a stop gap for some very limited driving before the shop can get into it or am I risking damage to either the transfer case or front diff?

Edited May 13 by WhiteOut1986

Another JR · May 16

I don’t know the answer to the specific question you asked. I have a suggestion if you think it may be stuck due to the drivetrain being loaded:

Try chocking a wheel on the opposite side so the truck won’t move and jacking one front wheel off the ground to make sure you relieve any loading between the front and rear axles. Verify you still are in 4 hi by trying to rotate the lifted wheel (it won’t turn freely if it’s in 4wd). With the truck running and the transmission in neutral, select 4 hi. Once it indicates it’s in 4 hi try shifting it into 2 hi. Hopefully it will shift to 2 hi if drivetrain loading was the issue.