80 series transfer case

I had similar symptoms when out of Adelaide River and it turned out to be a busted cv joint.

Jack

Geoff
couple of things....is it a constant 4wd? If so, you have probably worn out the drive flange on one side...or less probably busted teeth off the front diff or less common, a front c/v...(which should have gave you steering issues too) In constant this will cause the front shaft to spin as you say, u need to lock centre diff in to get drive to rear. putting it in low does this automatically...you dont have ABS do u...your piccies are of an early 90-92, the reason i ask is some had abs and no centre diff switch for high range...this would explain why you needed low range. My guess is a drive flange and c/v spline have finally let go...this would mean you have been experiancing alot of backlash...common on early cruisers, later ones had wider spline areas to alieviate this...take the dust caps off and put it in gear....you will soon see the shaft turning if this is the case...
Andrew

Geoff
The other thing ive heard of is the centre diff going bang....if you dont have ABS, there is a transfer case on ebay finishing soon for $200
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/80-series-cruiser-gxl-transfer-case_W0QQitemZ290223307790QQihZ019QQcategoryZ6763QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem