engaging 4wd on an a

[fogman]

how do you engage 4wd on an a series ? do you push a button on the dash as you do in a b series ? i have read the "NEW FRONTERA OWNERS PLEASE READ " thread but i couldnt be sure after reading it also is there a visual indicator/light to show when it is & not engaged ? or do you just listen for the clicks when its engaging/disengaging ? im asking just incase i ever do get the chance to test drive an a, dont wana look a right plonker by not knowing how to

[Krusher]

You simply select 4WD with second gear stick and then move forward so the auto locking hubs engage. As soon as 4WD is selected a warning lamp on the dash will come on.

Or read Gregsters description below for the comprehensive version....

[gregster]

Higher
To select 4wd in an A series Fronty...simply move the transfer box lever into either the 4 high or 4 low position as marked on the knob...
A light will come up on the dash to warn it is 4wd...
If the car has manual hubs you will need to lock by hand...but most have auto's so thats it really...

remember fronties have no centre diff, so test 4wd on dirt, or in a straight line on tarmac (and only then if the front rear tyres are confirmed to be same size and wear)
To take out of 4x4...move tf box lever back to 2wd position and reverse car approx 2 metres to unlock hubs...

To test 4x4 ideally get the car on a slippy muddy surface surface, turn it on lock and try and wheel spin it quickly but only momentarily...then get out of the car, you should see 4 wheel spin marks...if only the rears there could be a problem with the front axle, so investigate further or repeat the test...if any really nasty noises the diff could be stuffed (hence trying it on lock so diff has to work-going straight the diff isnt really doing anything and could have a damaged planetary gear...)
This is how I found out my chevy had no 4wd when I went to pick it up after buying it on ebay...knocked the fella £150 on the price for an axle and it was only a stuffed hub...so fitted manual lockers at his expense...

If you are not keen on this severe a test...you can test using 2 jacks...Jack the front right wheel just off the ground and the rear left after engaging 4wd on the deck...Gently engage gear with car crossaxled and the 2 lifted wheels should drive with no nasty noises...repeat by jacking the other corners, but normally will be ok if passed the first test, but the second test will check the other front cv joint for noise and confirm the 2nd auto hub is working ok...
CHECK THE OPTION PLATE FOR G80 CODE(LSD) BEFORE DOING THIS TEST...if it has a LSD dont test like this as car may drive off the 2 jacks...!!!

Hope this helps mate

Gregster