Locking hubs not unlocking?

[jim lee]

Pushing the truck in and out of the shop without its engine I noticed that the front driveshaft is going around and around. It was one of those things that sits in the back of your mind then suddenly I thought; "Hey, that's not supposed to be doing that!"

My locking hubs don't seem to be unlocking. Or do things like this sometimes drag a little? I've no experience at all with locking hubs so I don't know what's normal here. Do they sometimes drag a little? Or do they commonly break where they get stuck locked?

Thanks!

-jim lee

[just me]

Is the transfer case lever engaged? The rear will spin the front f it is. Ordinarily, they don't drag at all when released. I have seen failures where a piece breaks off and wedges engaged. Pulling the hubs will tell. (Witness mark them before removal)

[isaac_alaska]

If you find that one is broken and have to buy a set of two.... My truck is missing one. Has one locking hub and one original. I was surprised how much people are asking for them now.

[DCook]

Be sure your "T" case is in 2 wheel then try turning your front drive line by hand. If it is dragging on oil or grease, you should be able to turn through it. If you can't, and it wants to drive the chassis, then lift one tire off the ground. You should be able to determine which side is locked up before you disassemble it.