'00 Sport AWD transfer case problem ?

[eddewelda]

I recently got my wife a '00 Exp. Sport with 89 K. Bought it off a car lot,
so I don't know the history .
T/C motor shifts into 4H,and 4L ,with the front wheels off the ground and
idling in park,the front drive shaft is locked,so it seems eveything is
engaging.
Now for the problem, when 4H is engaged and driving (dry conditions in
my pasture,on grass and gravel for testing only) I don't feel the usual
"crow hop" that you would expect , I don't feel the front wheels pulling
at all. But there is a gear whine and rumble thats hard to pinpoint,not
sure if in T/C or front differential.
AWD does seem to work,but since it's in and out so quick,I don't hear
the noises mentioned above.
I forgot to mention it has a 4.0 , with auto trans.
Y'all got any ideas.
Thanks Ed

 

[Four0Sport]

your truck came equipped with auto 4wd, which is not AWD. look in the 'transmission/transfer cases' sub forum at some of the stickies. they will help you diagnose a 4wd problem.

 

[eddewelda]

You're right, I was calling 4auto with AWD.
thanks

 

[Four0Sport]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134671

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203441

both are very good reads and should help you understand your problem

 

[eddewelda]

I had already read both of those post in my search of this site and had
preformed the checks mentioned for this model.

I hoped someone had already fixed a problem like this,and could offer
advice.

 

[gijoecam]

If the front shaft locks to the rear shaft, we can rule out a transfer case issue. Sounds like it's working fine.

The only other things it might be are front axle-related... Blown front diff ring or spider gears, busted CV joint or halfshaft, etc... but all of those would likely have other associated squeaks, groans, pops, or other assorted noises.

The next thing I would check is the front axle... Assuming there isn't something more obvious like a broken CV joint, It shouldn't be too difficult to find the loss of power... Put the front end in the air, idle in park, select 4high, verify the front driveshaft is locked. Have a helping hand (or a block of wood or brick as necessary) resist one front wheel turning while you try to turn the other front wheel the opposite direction. You shouldn't be able to... If you can, then something's slipping/broken... Gotta track that down.

-Joe

 

[eddewelda]

No other noises, just the gear whine and rumble. I had already tried to spin a
front wheel,with it locked in 4h. Once the slack was taken up,the wheel moved
mabey 1 in.,then locked up.
I still lean towards the t/c because of the whine.It sounds like one does when
its in 4low,by the way it does shift into 4 L and you still can't feel the front wheels.
I'm thinking I'll have to drop the t/c and take a look in side.
I've worked on old style cases ,but this will be my time on one of these. Is there
any tricks,or special tools required ?
Thanks Ed

 

[KPT]

I don't hear any whine from mine in low or high so it may indeed be the t-case.

Read through the BW4405 rebuild thread. It will tell you everything you need to know.

 

[eddewelda]

I don't hear any whine from mine in low or high so it may indeed be the t-case.

Read through the BW4405 rebuild thread. It will tell you everything you need to know.

Thanks KPT, youre right,there's a lot of good info in that thread!!!!