Transfer Case Clunking

[jordanob19]

Hey, About 6 months ago my 4x4 stopped working and I heard a noise coming from the transfer case. It was a racheting noise like the chain inside was slipping. So I bought a used 30,000 mile transfer case and installed it. Now when the 4x4 is engaged the front driveshaft turns but slips and jerks around it the transfer case is clunking back and forth. The front driveshaft is all over the place and travels in an oval patter rather then just turning. I don't know if its from the transfer case or where the front driveshaft connects to the transfer case. And also the cv joints are spinning in front but the wheels are not turning but I think the main problem is at the front driveshaft and transfer case where when engage it will just be clunking and shaking bad.
Its a 1999 Ford Ranger with 84,000 miles,
Thanks for the help, appreciate it.

 

[iverger]

First thing I would check are the U-Joints on the front drive shaft. Is either end loose or sloppy? The U-joints are the + shaped pieces, one at each end of the drive shaft. You should not be able to move them up and down or side to side. Also, is the drive shaft straight?

As far as the axles turning but not the wheels, it is common on your year ranger for the Pulse Vacuum hubs to give you grief. My 98 is the same way, I am waiting for my new AVM manual hubs to arrive.

Bob