Chris-
No, you do not have to backup to disengage the 4WD. Here is some history on
Dak 4WDs:
The original Daks like my '89 had an "auto locking" feature. When you
shifted into 4WD a vacuum module mounted on the right front axle tube
engaged a gearlike sleeve. This sleeve would couple the differential
carrier and the right front axle shaft (and CV joint). On the other end,
the transfer case engaged the tranny to the front drive shaft. When you
shifted out of 4WD, vacuum was removed and the sleeve was disengaged and the
transfer case was disengaged as well. So you were basically "unlocking" the
cv, if you want to put it that way. Because the front diff was open, and
only the left front wheel coupled to the diff, the front driveshaft did not
spin when you were in 2WD. Note: If you do not believe me, slide under an
'89 4WD (engine OFF of course) and try to turn the front driveshaft when the
truck is in 2WD. It will spin free.
There were some problems with this system, mainly condensation in the vacuum
lines. The system would sometimes not "unlock" the hubs and the 4WD light
would stay on. A few repeated tries and usually it let go. There was also
a TSB on this problem.
Somewhere around '92 (I think, don't quote me on this), CC changed the
design. They made it a lot simpler. They removed the vacuum module and
just left the transfer case to engage the front driveshaft. This means that
the front axle and driveshaft were always turning if you were in 4WD or not.
Again if you do not believe me check for yourself by sliding under. This
saved the headache of the vacuum module, but did cause a little more wear
and tear on the driveline.
I do not know what the '97 and up Daks have. I assume that they have the
same design, from what I have seen. So, to answer your question: No, you
do not have to back up.
Thanks,
Rob Weingart '89 LE 4x4 w/ 200K miles (and a new paint job as of today)
<<<
I know all about warn hubs and the like I've put them in on two of my
friends trucks, which is a pain in the ass. But back to dakotas, I am now
under the impression that I DO NOT need to back up to disengage 4wheel in my
DAK. Am I right in this comprenhension or am I just really confused here?
Chris
>>>
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