1997 Ford Explorer 4wd Problem?

[firefreeman]

Hey Folks, I just drove my son's 1997 Ford Explorer Limited and he has a problem. The front right tire feels like it is hanging up. When you back out of the driveway, it feels like the passenger front tire is clunking around but it is tight when I jack it up and check. When you drive it feels like it is pulling and there is a whining noise. Once you get up to about 45 mph, it feels like the wheel "breaks loose" and the noise and resistance disappear. The 4wd hi and lo lights are blinking when this occurs. It almost feels like that hub is in 4wd and then pops out as the speed increases. Any ideas? Thanks, Dave.

 

[Mbrooks420]

The blinking lights indicate that there is a fault in the 4wd system. The front hubs on the second gens is solid, and doesn't lock and unlock, so that's not going to be your problem, unless it is the wheel bearing. I'd give the half shafts a good wiggle and see if they feel similar. I'd also have a look at the front driveshaft.