powerwagon drive shaft

[chargerandpowerwagon]

Work on the 70 Powerwagon is progressing nicely! Took it out around the block the other day and the front drive shaft was spinning?? Hubs were in the free position with the transfer case in 2 high. Is this normal or is the transfer case engaged in another gear than 2 high? Did shift it thru several positions and didn"t change the fact that the front shaft was turning?

[ozzie]

I have had my 69 powerwagon since 1974, this is a normal thing, if you notice that the shaft is turning at a slower speed than you are traveling. {must be some sort of kinnetic energy from the transfer case.} as long as you can go under the truck and spin the shaft by hand while the truck is in gear it is normal. Ozzie.

[Russ]

What Ozzie said. Also I would jack up each front wheel just to where you can spin it and make sure the hubs are dis-engaged, and there is no clicking or ratcheting noise when the wheel is spinning. If you have the closed knuckle axle be sure to lock the hubs and drive for at least a mile once each month to lube the upper pivots. This is assuming that you have the proper lubricant in the knuckle.

[MountainMoparRobin]

This is good news

[nfury8]

I noticed the NP 205 on my 70 did that as I was installing it with no shafts installed.
Spin the input in 2 hi and the rear would spin 1:1 but the front output would spin
about 4:1. It took no resistance at all to make it stop, but it would spin with no resistance.
I could even spin them opposite directions with almost no difference in the amount of
force required to spin the front when turning or holding the input. It felt like maybe
it was a secondary hydraulic action. but I doubt it considering how slowly I was turning it.

[chargerandpowerwagon]

Checked the drive shaft and it spun freely! Thanks for thegreat advise, had myconcerned for awhile. Drove the truck yesterday about 100 miles and this truck is GREAT! Just need to do something about the steering!!! I had to chase the truck all over the highway. How dificult is it to adjust the steering box? Never had to do any befor. Anyone have a few tips?

[digdoug]

Jack up the front axle.block it, and start by wiggling tires and the steering wheel,to see what is loose. It helps to have two people .There are MANY places that wear,besides the steering box.