Question on 4 Wheel Drive

[WindyCityPilot]

Probably a simple question.

 

I have a '06 Silverado Z-71 Ext. Cab with the push button 4 wheel drive. When I am in 2WD is the front driveshaft / differential engaged and spinning? Or does it not spin until you place it in either Auto 4WD or 4-HI?

 

I understand how everything worked on the old trucks with manual locking hubs and manual transfer case. Just trying to gain an understanding how my new trucks work.

 

So if someone could outline quick what is engaged / working in each mode:

 

2WD

Auto 4WD

 

Thanks!!

[95Sierra2500]

When in 2wd your front axles spin as they are directly connected to the wheel hubs. However, the driveshaft should NOT spin, as it is disengaged at both the pumpkin (front diff) and the TF case.

 

I've never paid attention to the auto 4wd feature, but I would think that the diff and TF case are in a type of 'standby' mode and engage when the rear wheels slip...But I don't know on that one.

[Jacqson]

When in 2wd your front axles spin as they are directly connected to the wheel hubs. However, the driveshaft should NOT spin, as it is disengaged at both the pumpkin (front diff) and the TF case.

 

I've never paid attention to the auto 4wd feature, but I would think that the diff and TF case are in a type of 'standby' mode and engage when the rear wheels slip...But I don't know on that one.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Your mostly correct. The driveshaft Always spins, it is disconnected in the transfer case. You are right about the front diff always turning as your wheel hubs are always connected to the front axle. When you place the T-case in 4wd it supplies power to the front shaft. In Auto 4WD the T-case will bias torque to the front or rear wheels as needed.

[ZZebes]

To the best of my understanding the front drive shaft DOES NOT SPIN in 2WD because there is an actuator motor on both the Front Diff and the T-case, But in Auto 4WD the Front Diff is engaged and the T-Case engages as needed

[95Sierra2500]

When in 2wd your front axles spin as they are directly connected to the wheel hubs. However, the driveshaft should NOT spin, as it is disengaged at both the pumpkin (front diff) and the TF case.

 

I've never paid attention to the auto 4wd feature, but I would think that the diff and TF case are in a type of 'standby' mode and engage when the rear wheels slip...But I don't know on that one.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Your mostly correct. The driveshaft Always spins, it is disconnected in the transfer case. You are right about the front diff always turning as your wheel hubs are always connected to the front axle. When you place the T-case in 4wd it supplies power to the front shaft. In Auto 4WD the T-case will bias torque to the front or rear wheels as needed.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

I know my front driveshaft does NOT spin when i'm in 2wd. Neither does my dad's '94 or my fiancee`'s '99. I can especially tell on mine because it gets especially loud (I may have a bad U-joint, or be low on fluid in the front diff).

[Jacqson]

When in 2wd your front axles spin as they are directly connected to the wheel hubs. However, the driveshaft should NOT spin, as it is disengaged at both the pumpkin (front diff) and the TF case.

 

I've never paid attention to the auto 4wd feature, but I would think that the diff and TF case are in a type of 'standby' mode and engage when the rear wheels slip...But I don't know on that one.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Your mostly correct. The driveshaft Always spins, it is disconnected in the transfer case. You are right about the front diff always turning as your wheel hubs are always connected to the front axle. When you place the T-case in 4wd it supplies power to the front shaft. In Auto 4WD the T-case will bias torque to the front or rear wheels as needed.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

I know my front driveshaft does NOT spin when i'm in 2wd. Neither does my dad's '94 or my fiancee`'s '99. I can especially tell on mine because it gets especially loud (I may have a bad U-joint, or be low on fluid in the front diff).

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

 

My mistake, I missread the year of your truck. The driveshaft always spins on the NBS trucks with the NVG 246 T-Case.