Re: Well, then maybe a 5kcst_q_?

[Mark Pollan <Mark.POLLAN@mci.com>]

Wallac:

You'll probably get additional/better info. from others on this list
far more knowledgabel than me but here goes anyway.

>Let me guess: lock the diffs, turn the steering wheel while stopped,
>slowly start out on smooth pavement?

Should feel/hear the skipping.  Green light in center console should
come on showing diff(s) engaged.  ABS off light should come on when
you lock diffs, go back off when you disengage.  You may need to roll
a few feet before things engage.  No biggie.

>Brake hard, feel the pulsing, or is there a less dramatic method?

That's what I'd do.  Find some sand or wet stuff to be a tad less dramatic.
Also when you first start the car and roll forward there is an odd
noise which is the ABS coming on for lack of a better term.  Described
as weird noise 2 in a recent post.

>Now, are the center vents supposed to be just fresh air or heat/AC?

Should blow from center on ECON and AUTO settings.  Depending on outside
temp AUTO may go/blow elsewhere so set the digital temp to LO.  Hit
all the buttons and go up and down through the whole temp range for
fun.  You'll hear the compressor engage/disengage, radiator fan come
on and off, etc.

>...by driving and listening for noise or by checking under the car? I used
>to drive a Honda Accord with bad (front) CV joints, so I know their sound
>and driving feel, but I don't know what to expect from the rear.

Full lock in forwar and reverse puts greatest stress on the front so
an audible check works here, but also check visually for tears etc.
Sometimes the tears are real small so you can't see 'em.  The centrifugal
force of the spinning wheel would however cause some grease to shoot
out so while you are under there look for grease splatters.  Rears
don't get much stress so visual should be O.K.

Don't hesitate to ask more.  I have many miles on mine so have quite
a few "Oh yeah, that happened to me" that won't come out unless my
memory is somehow jogged.

Mark Pollan, '86 5KCSTQ 253K Miles

P.S.  For Wallaces sake, and mine too, please correct me.  Yeah, like
      I need to ask right?