4WD Transmission Problems - HELP

[mike02gt]

Hi. I am new to this forum and came across it looking for answers to some problems I've been having with my 98 Explorer XLT.

I recently went to the snow and flipped on the 4WD HIGH and noticed that when the wheel is cranked to one side or another and while i'm moving, the transmission makes this loud "thunk" sound. This happens whenever in 4WD, high or low and while the truck is moving. It seems the transmission is slipping. I can feel it engage and disengage (tach revs up and nothing happens). I only have 53,x.. miles on it and I know this shouldn't be happening. Anyone have any ideas of what could be happening or what to check for? Thanks.

 

[Billy177]

you should avoud lock to lock turns in 4wd. i would drain and refill your transfercase the fluid should be bright red if it is blackish you may have prolblems

 

[Robb]

How loud is it?

One front wheel will "skip" during hard turns in 4wd. This is normal. In non-slippery conditions, this will cause a good sounding thunk.

 

[mike02gt]

It's pretty loud and it's coming from the rear. I can literally feel the transmission slipping in and out of gear when making a sharp turn and when locked in 4WD.

Robb- In non-slippery conditions, why will the front wheels skip? Still doesn't make sense why the tach will rev up before engaging.. If it helps any, when it engages, it sends off a big jolt