Front Axle Compatibility

I agree with X8GGY the 4x4switch in the transver box is main suspect if it was working before the mounts were change, I’d suspect may be unplugged or a broken wire. When you shift the transfer lever to 4H the switch tells the vacuum solenoids to lock the hubs. From the advice the whole front axle needs replacing I wouldn’t say your second Spanner monkey was any better qualified or Jimny experienced that the first and I wouldn’t consider replacing an axle with one that’s swivels we’re in worse condition. Bent tube or badly rusted or scored swivels would be the only reason to change complete axle.

Thanks for your further replies Johnnie & Busta, just an update on the issue. I have spoken to the garage and they assure me that the transfer box is working fine and the problem is at the axle end. They are going to change the wheel bearings and fit the smaller transfer box mounting bracket which wasn't replaced by monkey #1 then report back to me. This may be a week or 2 as they're pretty busy. Once I've heard from them I'll let you know how things have progressed.
Cheers

It does sound like the vacuum system for the freewheeling hubs that are meant to engage when you put the transfer box into 4wd are not engaging. This is a popular problem and most people overcome it by fitting manual hubs.

I think you are being a bit harsh on your first mechanic. The transfer box mounts are weak and if you asked him to replace one and that's what he did, what more did you expect from him?

You certainly don't need a new axle.

Kirkynut

Hi, an update on the above post. I collected the Jimny from the garage yesterday and the replacement of the front wheel bearings appears to have cured the failing to engage 4wd issue. That's to say I've driven up a fairly steep hill covered in wet grass and it seemed to be in 4wd although a true test will be when I need to engage 4L and pull myself out of the sticky stuff. One thing that does concern me however is the 4wd engagement light on the warning light is blinking rather than on permanently, as I recall it should be a constant green light.
The MOT failure notifications clearly stated that both transfer box mounting brackets were broken and required replacement Kirky, he must have blagged it through the retest and as a result of his idleness/stupidity I'm £50 out of pocket and could potentially have destroyed my transfer box. Just wanted to clarify that mate.

Thanks for all your help and advice gents

Quick and easy way to check 4x4 is working, and the only tool you need is a jack, is
Engine running, gearbox in neutral, handbrake on, jack one front wheel just off the ground. In 2h you should be able to rotate that wheel by hand.
Engage 4h, you should hear the “click clack” of the hubs engaging and you should not be able to rotate the wheel that’s off the ground by hand. If you can still rotate it one or both hubs have not locked and you’ll need to go through the hub fault finding process.

Thanks
John.