1994 Limited 4x4 issue.

[truckcarguy]

Last week it snowed and I wanted to know if my 4 wheel drive was working so I pushed the button and pulled away. Made a right turn and got some noise in the left front wheel. I slowed down and the noise went away. Made a left turn and the noise which sounded like wheel bearing noise. Pumped the brakes again and it went away again. turned off the 4 wheel drive and continued to work with no trouble during my 5 mile commute that is city driving. I took the truck to the mechanic and he is not sure where to go with this. He suggested axles in the front which are impossible to find. Here is what I need. Does anyone know where I can take this thing to have it looked at by someone who knows the 1st generation 4 wheel drive system. This truck is becoming the thorn in my side. From what I have read it sounds like my left front hub is bad. By the way as a note of interest. The front wheel bearings were replaced in November at inspection. I AM GETTING DESPERATE. I DO NOT HAVE THE TIME OR TOOLS TO MESS WITH THIS THING. I HAVE NO PROBLEM PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. I AM IN NORTHEAST SECTION OF PHILADELPHIA. LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TRUSTWORTHY TO FIX THE TRUCKS 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM.

 

[2stroke]

Did your 4x4 system work besides the noise? I doubt its your wheel bearing. I assume you have auto hubs since you didn't mention locking them in. In that case, the auto hubs are known to freeze up. Any mechanic with a brain should know that, so I would be skeptical of yours. Take it to anyone who works on domestic trucks, and they will be able to help. I can't tell you what it is without checking it out myself. If it is your hub, you don't need any more tools than it takes to change your tire. Do some searching, but I have heard of people lubing up the auto hubs to make them work. If you buy new ones, get manual locking hubs. If not the hub, my guess is the U joint. Even good ones make noise at full lock, but its normally more of a clank noise. Unless you were on dry ground, in which case you can do all kinds of damage to a 4x4 system. When U joints go bad they make more of crunch/squeal sound, and often do it even when in a straight line. You can even wiggle the shaft and it will have noticeable play in it. Again, any real mechanic will know this, so find a different one. The 4x4 systems on these is not complicated. If you wanted a great running, super smooth vehicle, you chose the wrong one. These trucks idle weird, run weird, make all kinds of noises, but they are very reliable, and simple to work on. You might just have to take in the mentality of "if it works bad, that means its working."

 

[truckcarguy]

The 4 wheel drive seemed to be working except for the noise. It does have auto hubs.

 

[Wolfie_85]

A little noise while turning is normal under some conditions, I imagine in high traction situations, it's louder, as these weren't meant to be in 4 wheel unless you are in slippery conditions. Sort of a gear grinding, pulsating noise? Have you used the 4wd in situations that involve turning before?

All that being said, as maintenance, it never hurts on these older trucks to go through and make sure everything is clean and greased as it should be. So, if you take it in, be sure to ask if any maintenance is needed. How long has it been since you changed the fluid in the transfer case and differentials?

 

[natenkiki2004]

My guess would be either u-joints or spindle bearings. Neither of which are greasable and neither of which receive much attention or care, especially with vehicles that rarely use the 4x4.

My spindle bearings were shot and made a grinding noise all the time but worsened when I turned a certain direction. When I took everything apart, one of my u-joints was extremely stiff. All back together now and there's a very slight vibration and noise, almost not enough to know that the hubs are locked in. Almost quiet

 

[Wolfie_85]

I forgot to bring up the U-joints. Good point, though!

 

[OneofMany]

What u need to replace the locking hubs with is this: Warn 37780 locking hub for d28 axle. This is the one designed for the Jeep but its better and stronger than the one designed for Ford. Im running them.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQN0PK/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Also you need the http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000182DZQ/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[OneofMany]

The bearing will be in your hands as your swap the spindle nut kit, so you will replace them right then.

 

[the_don]

I had a dana 44 make all kinds of noise in 4x4, turned out to be axle spindle bearings.

 

[natenkiki2004]

The bearing will be in your hands as your swap the spindle nut kit, so you will replace them right then.

What bearing? Maybe one side of the wheel bearing but for the spindle bearing, you have to go deeper, pulling the rotor completely off, including both wheel bearings and then the spindle comes off. Then you can punch out the spindle bearings and get the kit (part # BRG BK1) and put it all back together. You can check your wheel bearings at the same time, see if you want to replace them. I didn't when I did mine.

 

[2stroke]

My advice, ignore it. For road use, its more work than its worth as long as 4x4 works. Just use 4x4 every month or so to keep all the components loose throughout the year.