just some questions

amxguy1970 · Post by **amxguy1970** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:12 pm

i was reading in a magazine that a guy had a 2000 something blazer 4x4, and he had a bunch of stuff go out on his front end after only 38000 miles. he said he never offroaded and only did used four wheel a few times. is there some things that i should be doing to my truck to keep everything running and in good working order? lubing the front end components? how often do yall do it? any one have any problems from not offroading? just want to try and prevent and expensive damage from me maybe being careless. i am very automotive oriented, and specifics are great. and other question i have is is a loud whine coming from what sounds the fuel pump. is there a pump in the tank? if so this must be it. anyone have this noise coming from their truck? i always hear it when idling or even driving slowly, its pretty loud. the truck is coming close to the warranty being up, and we have had great luck with all our chevy vehicles over the year, i want to keep this going for our first 4x4 for many years to come. thanks alot yall!!

quickbiker · Post by **quickbiker** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:45 pm

All front ends suck nowadays on 4x4's because of IFS. That's why. No way around it but to modify it.

Post by **HenryJ** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 3:37 am

A little grease for the frontend at every oil change. Follow the short trip/ city maintanence schedule at the minimum.

Watch for tire wear indicating , perhaps worn components. Listen for things that may indicate a bad wheel bearing.

Don't sweat it. The parts may or may not have problems. The balljoints are , IMO a poor design. If it comes time to replace them go with an aftermarket ball joint.

The fuel pump whine is normal. You can worry if that sound quits

Be sure to maintain no less than 1/4 tank of fuel. Gasoline is the cooling fluid for the in tank fuel pump.
Change that fuel filter regularly too.

There is not much difference between a 4x4 and 2wd, other than it would not hurt to exercise that front end from time to time. Put it in 4x4 and drive a little to keep things lubed up and functioning.

Retep · Post by **Retep** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 4:48 am

HenryJ wrote:...it would not hurt to exercise that front end from time to time. Put it in 4x4 and drive a little to keep things lubed up and functioning.

I must agree with this statement. I have heard many stories of t-case encoder motors dying from lack of use. Unfortunately this often is not discovered until four wheel drive is really needed.
If you don't wheel on a regular basis, I would recommend at least once a month on a rain soaked (to allow some wheel slippage) straight section of road, engaging the 4hi and drive for about .25 - .5 mile. Might want to engage 4lo every now and then also, but no need to drive more than a few feet. This will help keep things lubed and moving and expose any problems before you really need it.
Never drive with 4x4 engaged on dry roads. I would also avoid turning the steering wheel while in 4 wheel drive on plain wet roads. To much tire grip can lead to drive line bindage which can lead to a very expensive cabang (technical term)

.

Pete