Hoist Test

After a road test, it is sometimes useful to do a similar test on a hoist. (Use an axle hoist, not a frame hoist. An axle hoist will not change the driveline angles. If only a frame hoist is available, axle stands should be used.) Make sure 4x4 selector is in 2WD mode on 4x4.

WARNING: If only one drive wheel is allowed to rotate, speed must be limited to a maximum speedometer reading of 55 Km/h (34 MPH) Since the actual wheel speed will be twice that indicated on the speedometer. Exceeding a speed of 55 Km/h (34 MPH) or allowing the drive wheel to hang unsupported could result in tire disintegration, differential failure, which could cause serious personal injury and extensive vehicle damage.

1. Elevate the rear wheels slightly, check to make sure that both are turning, and run the engine up with the vehicle in gear.
2. Explore the speed range of interest using the drive/cruise/coast/float tests.
3. A coast down in NEUTRAL should also he conducted. If the vehicle is free of vibration when operating at a steady indicated speed and behaves very differently in drive and coast, an axle concern is likely.

ACCESSORIES MOUNTING INSPECTION
Inspect the drive belt accessories mounting brackets and hardware for loose fasteners or bad belt alignment.

AXLE INSPECTION
Check for low differential lubricant. During turns, the rear axle may have a chattering noise (limited slip or Traction-Lok axles only). Slight chatter noise on slow turns after extended highway driving is considered acceptable and has no detrimental effect on the limited slip axle functions.

DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
Inspect the drive belt and pulleys for wear or damage. The automatic tensioners have belt wear indicator marks. If the indicator mark is not between the min and max marks, the drive belt is worn or an incorrect drive belt is installed. With the engine idling, check for irregular motion of the drive belt.

DRIVESHAFT INSPECTION
Inspect the driveshaft for any undercoating, physical damage, or missing balance weights. Check for index marks (yellow paint daub marks) on rear of driveshaft and axle companion flange. The paint daubs should be less than 22 1/2 degrees apart.

DRIVESHAFT U-JOINT INSPECTION
Raise the vehicle on a hoist and inspect the universal joints (U-joints) for excessive play. Check for notchy or excessive effort to move joint.

EXHAUST SYSTEM INSPECTION
Raise the vehicle on a hoist and check for broken or loose clamps or brackets. Check for damaged/bent exhaust components and/or components touching body or frame.

TIRE/WHEEL INSPECTION
Inspect the tire/wheel for extreme or unusual wear, damage, cupping or flat spots. Verify that the correct tire size and wheel rim are used. If a tire/wheel is damaged, the suspension components may suffer misalignment, abnormal wear, or damage that might have contributed to the tire/wheel damage.

TRANSFER CASE INSPECTION
Inspect the transfer case for proper operation.