4wd popping while turning?

[thatotherguy223]

I'm new to this forum, but I really like what I see on here and its helped me a lot with some previous problems. Anyways, over this past winter I've noticed that whenever I have my truck in 4wd, it seems to "pop" whenever I turn and accelerate. It does it whether on dry pavement, snow, or mud. Any ideas? Could it just be the front u-joints going bad? There's 180k miles on the truck, and they are original to the truck.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Check the CV axles.

 

[IZwack]

Dont use 4wd on dry pavement - you are straining the drivetrain and could severely damage it.

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site

 

[thatotherguy223]

So I checked the front cv joints, and they seemed alright to me. but now whenever I have the truck stopped and turn the wheel lock to lock, it sounds like the right one is binding. I'm not in 4wd when this happens. anyone have some ideas?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the tie rod ends.

 

[IZwack]

So I checked the front cv joints, and they seemed alright to me. but now whenever I have the truck stopped and turn the wheel lock to lock, it sounds like the right one is binding. I'm not in 4wd when this happens. anyone have some ideas?

Remove the front driveshaft and perform the same test. If the popping still persists, then the problem is in one of the axles. If it goes away, then its' probably the transfer case (its stuck in 4wd).

 

[rookieshooter]

Possible Brown wire Mod?

 

[thatotherguy223]

Remove the front driveshaft and perform the same test. If the popping still persists, then the problem is in one of the axles. If it goes away, then its' probably the transfer case (its stuck in 4wd).

I don't think the transfer case is stuck in 4wd, because wouldnt the 4wd high/low lights flash? I don't really have access to all the necessary tools needed to take the front driveshaft off, because 17 years of New England weather haven't exactly been kind to the undercarriage. Is there an easier way check?

 

[IZwack]

I don't think the transfer case is stuck in 4wd, because wouldnt the 4wd high/low lights flash?

Not necessarily - 4wd is performed by squeezing a set of friction discs against each other. Typically, this is provisioned by the electromagnetic ring. However, something lodged between the discs (a broken section of a gear for example) will compress the discs into 4wd mode. The electronics (flashing HI/LO lights) really only sense output shaft speed (via VSS) and shift motor position.

I don't really have access to all the necessary tools needed to take the front driveshaft off, because 17 years of New England weather haven't exactly been kind to the undercarriage. Is there an easier way check?

It's actually not too bad - 4 bolts at the axle end (u-joint straps) and the same thing on the transfer case end. I would however spray the bolts with PB-Blaster / Liquid Wrench for a few days before doing this.

It's also worth mentioning that I believe your vehicle has the vacuum actuated Center Axle Disconnect (CAD) on the front axle. Do a search for this as this may also be culprit. Basically, it is a mechanical "break" or a disconnect device on the front axle. It is unique and exists I believe only in the 95-96 Explorers. However, I would disconnect the front driveshaft as a first step in diagnosis before tackling the CAD.

 

[thatotherguy223]

It seems like whatever was causing problems fixed itself. I'm going to leave it be until next winter, or whenever it starts acting up again. But thanks for the suggestions, I'm sure that they will come in handy in the near future!