Help with my 83 GL Wagon

[Nawta Brat]

I recently stumbled across an 83 GL wagon. I plan to make it project car but my first goal is to make it an actual All WD again! When I put it in All WD, the rear end locks up...I have no mechanical expirience beyond a tune up or oil change so I am one lost little pup! If anyone out there can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[GeneralDisorder]

First thing, 83's are not AWD, but rather, 4WD.

 

4WD should not be used except on loose surfaces (Ice, snow, gravel, dirt, etc). Using 4WD on dry pavement will "bind" the rear wheels as they are unable to turn at a different rate than the front wheels.

 

AWD has an extra differencial inside the transaxle that allows the front and rear to turn at different rates, and thus can be used on any surface. Some of the late 80's AWD transmissions, even had the ability to "lock" this center differencial and thus were capable of being both AWD and 4WD.

 

4WD is prefered for off-road, but AWD is definately better for pavement.

 

GD

[Nawta Brat]

Sorry about my incorrect terminology...As I said, I just got the car recently and I am not too mechanically inclined but I am eager to learn all I can. As to the pavement issue, I was in the mud. This was my first attempt at taking it out to see what it could/could not do. Could you give me any clues?

[GeneralDisorder]

well..... the rear end is going to turn regardless of if you are "in" 4WD or not. It turns anytime the front turns. If putting it in 4WD locks up the rear end, and the car won't move, then I would have to say the problem is inside the transaxle. Could be that the transfer case (which is part of the transmission on a soob) is internally damaged

 

Without looking at it in person, that's the only thing I can think of that would cause that.

 

GD

[bajavwnsoobnut]

or the rear diff is really really worn to the point if you put power to it it will lock up but as GD has said it could be the Tranny has an issue

[Nawta Brat]

Thanks for the advice. As far as I know, this is the original transmission and is probably way overdue for a replacement. Thanks!

[saeble]

Are there any other symptoms ? Does the rear end howl or growl at speed ? Does the car make a repeated clicking sound when going around corners ? When you bring a problem to a place like this always try and give as much info as possible. It's hard enough consulting a 'crystal ball' as it is. While I havent been to this board for long I do know the same sorts of things apply on other car nut boards. The more you can add the better.