I just replaced my front leaf springs. While I had the front end off the ground I was able to spin both front wheels without the other moving at all. Is that normal. I have the Dana 44. I know that on rear diffs that if you have sure grip both turn in one direction and if you have open the other wheels turns in opposite direction. This is my first 4x4 and wasn't sure if a front differential acts the same as a rear one.

does it have locking hubs? if so only the wheel will turn and not the axles/diff.

lock the hubs and turn them again both off the ground.

looks like you have lock out hubs in the pic of your truck.

Did you have the hubs locked in and if so are you sure they were engaging? If so did you see the pinion yoke turn?

also if it has a vacuum 4x4 activation same symptom...bob

80 in Non cad and Lockout

Yes, the big 3 all regained their senses and put manual locking hubs on the whole lineup for model year 1980. Well at least 1/2 ton through 3/4 tons for sure. There may have been some H.D. 1 tons with that bolt on cap deal on fronts, not sure. Their next screw up was the auto-lock hubs.

All the D60s had the his stick out even on full time setups just no lockouts. Lockouts can be added.

Even with lockouts locked or full time with an open carrier the wheels will spin untill the trans caes is locked...

I have locking hubs.... and the hubs were free when I was spinning the wheels. I had my head up my butt and wasn't taking that into consideration. Next time I have it off the ground I'll check it with it locked.