1995 chevy blazer left front wheel not going into 4wd, but right wheel does

165,000 MILES • 3.6L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TROY2006
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  • 10 POSTS
When put into 4wd,right front wheel goes into 4wd as it is activated by the vacuum to the actuator. The left front wheel does not spin at all. The front drive shaft to the front differential is spinning, but the left wheel is not.
The transfer case motor and transfer case switch is good as is the actuator and the vacuum to it.
3 wheels are spinning when in 4wd, but the left front is not (I have all 4 wheels jacked off the ground).
What would cause the left wheel not to spin?
Does the left wheel spin independently of the right wheel when in 4wd?
Also there is a two wire electrical connector on the front differential. Is that a sensor, and if not what purpose does it serve?
Thanks.
Aug 4, 2014 at 9:00 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
I will try to explain this. First, what is happening is normal. The front differential is not a TRUE posi traction unit. Therefore, the wheel with least resistance will spin. If there was a way to put the right front on the ground where it could get traction, the left wheel would begin to spin. Great design, lol

Please understand I am not suggesting that you put the right front on the ground to see if I'm correct.
Aug 4, 2014 at 12:34 PM
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