1994 Explorer 4WD clunk/pop/slipping?

[soul]

I've got a 94 Explorer, automatic hubs, just bought the vehicle, it's actually in great shape. Drives well, today I decided to see if the 4WD worked. I have a fairly steep driveway and yes it's dirt. I engaged the 4WD the light lit up. When I started up the hill it there was a couple clunks and pops. Steering straight, I backed off it, tried it again, and it seemed the backwheels started to spin a little the front wheels were like they weren't pulling and something was slipping. The clunks were pronounce and was lightly felt inside of the cabin of the vehicle. Could this be front hubs? or maybe they're not completely engaging?. 2WD no issues.

Any suggestions would be great, it's my daily driver, I lost my truck and definitely need the 4WD before winter.

 

[RangerX]

Classic symptoms of dying/dead auto hubs. Get some manuals and you should be good to go.

 

[natenkiki2004]

I agree. First good step for a reliable 4x4 winter driver is to replace the hubs with manual ones.

 

[soul]

Thanks, that's what I was figuring but wanted some extra opinions on it. I believe I will do manual hubs, the push button is a cool option, but I've only heard of horror stories from them, Where I live there's not a lot of cellular coverage, I can't be stuck out in the winter. Last year we got pounded with snow!

 

[natenkiki2004]

You'll still have push-button. You can leave the hubs locked in if there's snow on the ground for long periods at a time. Just be mindful not to engage 4x4 on high traction surfaces and try to minimize tight turns with the hubs locked. Many vehicles out there have front axles that spin all the time, even though the transfer case is disconnected.

If you do leave the hubs locked in for a while, my suggestion would be to check the u-joints and spindle bearings as well as change the differential fluid in the front. You'll need a hand pump for that.