making strange sounds 4x4 wont engage

[feksrocks]

i recently took a trip to some local trails to try out the 4x4 i just bought this explorer and i pushed the 4x4 switch and it would turn on and everything but it would make a popping sound so i turned it off i was driving back on a paved road and it did this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blMiVdpwteY and after i tried pushing the 4x4 button and the 4x4 light on the dash didnt turn on or nothing if any one has idea what it could b your help is appreciated

 

[Gadget X]

Sounds like the 4 X 4 isn't engaging properly. You should check/clean the auto hubs, and check the shift motor. You may need to have someone "tap" on the shift motor while you push the button, and see if that makes a difference. Good luck!

 

[cloaked_chaos]

Your auto hubs are definitely not engaging/disengaging properly. You could possibly fix them, but I would just either buy replacements or use this as an excuse to upgrade to manual hubs.

 

[DeRocha]

I'd agree with the others in saying your front HUBs are toast.

 

[acschilling]

Yeah that sounds like splines rubbing from your hubs. Front driveshaft would clunk. I like my mile marker manual hubs

 

[RangerX]

Hubs. The auto hubs don't last forever, and yours are 22 years old.
Also, don't do 4wd on paved roads.

 

[DeRocha]

Exactly what RangerX said