Can you drive a 4x4 if the 4wd system is faulty

[Pcheaven]

Curious

Can you still use as a daily runner a 4x4 if the 4wd system is broke ( prop shaft splines and transfer box issues ) whilst you source manufacture spares

Does any one know

TIA.

[Kaapelimies]

All the power that moves the car goes through the transfer box splines, so the car won't move if they are gone. You can put in an FWD gearbox tough. Never heard of problems in propshaft splines? If they are gone, you should be able to drive with the center diff lock engaged. Not sure if it will break something else when used all the time, the transfer box is of quite awkward design so wouldn't risk it as the spares are a pain to source. Buy a £100 C5 for the time to get the BX fixed and scrap it after .

[David]

It depends on what's wrong with it. Although it might be possible, it's not recommended.

Remember that the 4x4 system is a lot of parts under the car with make up the drivetrain, so if anything is faulty, then it can damage the part in question more or even other surrounding components.

If the prop shaft centre bearing has broken, for instance, then the car will drive, but the prop shaft will be loose and it will damage the ujs & the flexible rubber coupling.

If there's a worn internal bearing somewhere in the drivetrain, then again it will drive, but it'd just be like driving a 2wd car with a worn bearing in the gearbox or such.

If the splines have stripped between the gearbox & transfer box then it won't drive at all, as all the engine power is delivered through the said splines.

The prop shaft splines themselves are very robust, so I can't see any reason why they'd strip.

If you've got a car with transfer box issues, then as kaapelimies has said, you can put a standard 2wd gearbox (and driveshafts) in it for the meantime until you can have your transfer box repaired or get another. If it's the main splines that've stripped, then they need replacing on both the gearbox & the transfer box at the same time. If you only do one side then it won't last long, if it works at all.

Hope that helps.

[Pcheaven]

Thanks all

Great information here.

[Tim Leech]

Ive heard that if the transfer box doesnt work then the car wont move....