Bad sprag...driveable?

[Lorax]

OK, posting this for s friend with an 816. There is suspicion that the 816's sprag could be bad. Apparently, one day there was a loud BANG noise, and now when driving in soft dirt/mud and trying to turn, the front wheels don't turn the truck...the truck just plows forward. Now, this guy and his brother have owned this 816 for a number of years, and they know about the "don't roll backwards in N/1st, and don't roll forward in R" deal. The thought is the sprag may have gotten stuck while backing up and didn't release when going forward.

So here's a couple questions:
1. Is it OK to drive the 816 if the front driveshaft is removed until the sprag can be repaired/replaced?
2. Is there a way to test if the sprag is indeed bad?

Thanks

 

[jwaller]

it's fine to drive but to be safe remove the front driveshaft.

there are lots of tests for the sprag. a search will net them for you.

 

[Westech]

My sprag wend crap on me too.... the front sprag is locked on. I took the shaft out and its not all that bad of a job to swap out the front sprag and out put shaft. like that was stated.. take out the drive shaft and drive her.

 

[pctrans]

Jack up all axles, spin the rears, and the front should kick in after 1.5 turns (make sure you have air).

 

[Lorax]

Thanks fellows. I will pass on the info.