Possibly stupid newby question...

[johnbendik]

I recently found and purchased my dream Eagle, a 1984 Sport Wagon, with the 5-speed manual and selectable between 2WD and 4WD.

I had the front of the beast up on jack stands to check my wheel bearings.  The selector is in 4WD and the engine is off.  I was surprised to find out that both front wheels can be rotated by hand!  There is a little viscous-feeling resistance, but they can both be spun freely in both directions.

Is this normal? Does the transfer case not engage unless the engine is running?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can straighten me out...

[johnbendik]

Forgot to mention: the transmission is in gear while the wheels are being spun.  That's whats confusing to me...  doesn't seem like the front wheels should be spinnable with the tranny in gear and 4WD selected.

[AMC of Houston]

Keep in mind that these cars do not have limited-slip differentials.   If the opposite wheel spins in the opposite direction of the one you are spinning; that's normal for an "open" diff.

[johnbendik]

Excellent!  I just ran outside and tested it, and it's working just as you described.  And after I review my limited knowledge of differentials, your explanation makes sense to me.  Thanks for the enlightenment.

Having bought the car off EBay (from across the country), I did not have any opportunity to examine or test it, so I was fearing the worst.

AMC of Houston, AMC of Sugar Land salutes you...