4x4 trouble

[Ryan 92XLT]

Hello
I have a 1992 explorer XLT. My problem is with the 4x4. When I put it in 4 wheel it bangs!!! 1st I come to a complete stop I then hit the 4-wheel button wait 3 seconds then take off it seems to be locked it but it goes BANG-----BANG------BANG------ the whole time that I leve it in 4wd.
I put new U-joints in the front of the truck. The truck is a 5-speed. I would appreicate any help yup could give me.....
Thanks

Ryan

 

[Travis Messenger]

Sounds like your automatic hubs have gone bad. My 91 did the same thing, replaced them with Warn manual hubs. There a lot more durable and cheaper than the automatic hubs. Hope this helps.
Travis

 

[jimbo74]

yup....and you arent supposed to use 4x4 on pavement either. it will bang because the wheels cant differentiate

 

[Henry]

Ditto the above, it sounds like your hubs. I had the same effect and the manual hubs took care of that!

On a side note I have left mine locked for the past two months or so. I haven't noticed any handling issues, and I can't say there's been any noticable impact on gas mileage either. I can't see that there would be any problems with doing this, after all the rear diff. and u-joints are always running too, and they have all the forces on them -- the front ones would just be idling along. I'd be interested in anyone's comments & experiences with doing this!