4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: possible gear damage, chevy blazer, vacuum motor

Question
I have a 1985 Chevy Blazer S10--- I was wondering since I don't have sufficient vacuum to engage the axles. If I wedge the "?billow?" in the engaged position but run the truck in 2wheel high until the 4wd is needed, can/will this cause any damage to the front end gears ???

Answer
Randy,

I'm not familiar with the setup on the Blazer, but it should be similar to the Jeep, and Dodge.  First of all, I would try to trace out the vacuum lines, and find out why the front end isn't getting vacuum.  Usually, this is due to a faulty vacuum switch on the transfer case.  Most of these are fairly inexpensive (around $20), and are easily replaced.  You could, also have a faulty, vacuum motor on the differential, or a plugged vacuum line.  On the Dodges, and Jeeps, you can pull the cover off of the vacuum motor on the front axle housing, and slide the shift fork into the 4-wheel drive position.  The you can plug off the vacuum lines after replacing the cover.  I replaced my vacuum motor with a cable assembly for engaging the front end on my Jeep.  I have seen some people place a bushing on the inner end of the outer axle to hold the locking sleeve in place.  This would eliminate the vacuum motor completely.  This bushing comes in the kits for putting manual hubs on many vehicles.

Unless you have a locker in your front differential, it shouldn't hurt anything to leave the front end locked in when you are in 2-wheel drive.

Carl