ZR2 Blazer front diff slipping

So I'm starting to think about winter coming then I remember that I better get my daily driver back in shape.

Late last winter we had a really weird snow, about three inches of ice balls covered by four inches of snow.

Anyway, the front end is engaged by vacuum on that and we all know the more throttle the less vacuum which now doesn't hold the front end engaged when you need it most and it's quite normal for those things to pop out and back in.

Fighting my way to work caused more than normal slippage/grinding. I got to the drive at work and no farther.
When I'm stuck and start giving throttle I can feel the from tires pulling, a little more throttle and the front diff starts grinding and you feel the front tires stop trying as it settles backwards into the hole.

Anyone with experience with these know what I need to order/replace inside the differential? I think I'll convert to the manual, in cab cable to avoid the whole vacuum issue, but I think I've probably rounded off some splines on something.

Sorry so long,

Thanks,

 

We had 20+" inches of snow in February 2010. I hit the 4X4 button in my 02' ZR2 pickup and had no four wheel drive. I found the rubber diaphragm of the actuator was completely split open. It is located underneath the battery tray. I disconnected the cable from the actuator, pulled it out, clamped it with a pair of vice grips to engage the four wheel drive and drove to the parts store to get another. It's easy enough to pull the battery and tray out to check the condition of the actuator. Rock Auto has new actuators for $51.89

You might want to also ask at: www.zr2usa.com

Chris

 

Hey thanks Chris. I read a bunch on ZR2usa.com, learned some more, then read a post where a guy asked the same question I had and two guys gave less than helpful answers.

Makes me appreciate this site more!

Maybe I don't need to do anything in the diff.

Thanks again,

 

Steve:

Glad to share with you what I learned. I would try manually pulling the cable out and taking it for a test drive (Preferably in the rain to allow some wheel slip) If it stays in 4 wheel drive, you can eliminate the axle as a problem. You didn't say what year your Z was, But I think almost all of the 98-04 are the same. The actuator should be under the battery tray. It's easy enough to check.

I agree with you. The ZR2 site is good, but some of the answers leave you wanting for more. V8 Buick can answer questions on everything from your kids math homework, to how to bake a chocolate cake.

Chris

 

I had an '01 Blazer that had a vacuum connection on the firewall. Had two small vac tubes connected to it. Seems to me it was about the size of a cigarette lighter. One day when I needed 4WD, I didnt have it. Turns out the cigarette lighter-sized component had taken a crap. Got a new one at the dealer and was back in biz.

 

Actuator motor. :TU:

 

Thanks, too many parts in this system!

Probably just pull the cable and lock it in due to serious lack of funds.

 

have fixxed many of these in the past
more than likely you have a vacuum leak
could be in any of the lines or components though
everything under battery gets corroded and rotts away
check all lines first see where its getting lost at
but i have seen diffs get ate up due to grinding half in half out of 4x4
cable is a good option eliminates lots of unneccasary parts

 

Ok guys, I locked the cable out and it still grinds under load. I must have tore up the front diff. Lots of fun accelerating in snow and the front end decides to pop out!