Front Differential a Goner?

[NMPastor]

2001 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4WD

The 4WD has not been engaging. After reading some of the threads on here, I put it up on the stands, started it up and put it in drive with 4WD high engaged. The rear shaft and wheels turn, the front shaft turns, the driver side CV axle does not turn, the passenger side CV axle turns, but not the wheel.

Should I assume that this front differential is just a goner? Not to mention at least the passenger side CV axle?

 

[Scottydoggs]

its a open diff, so if both wheels are off the ground only one will spin.

try putting it in 4 low and take a tight turn on dry ground, if the 4wd is working you'll know it cause the trucks front end will hop and fight the tight turn.

 

[Wylie_Tahoe]

Take a pipe or 2x4 and slowly wedge it against the front wheel that is rolling, and I bet the other side will roll once the other stops.

 

[SnowDrifter]

2001 GMC the passenger side CV axle turns, but not the wheel.

Well. That would be first step.

4wd won't do anything for you period if all the power is going to a toasted CV axle.

And the way this reads, I can't help but feel that there's some major information omitted here. What's the full story?