4x4 clunks and bangs

[kabute]

I have a 1994 explorer xlt.When I put it into 4 wheel drive I get a loud clunk or bang when I go to move then it seems like the front hubs are slipping then all of a sudden they lock and evey thing is fine.I do need to do the front u joints but I don't think that would cause the rest.I have been reading up some of the trouble shooting articles on the site.Could it be a slow shift motor causing the big clunk and what engages the front hubs???
Thanks Ronnie!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MrShorty]

Could it be a slow shift motor causing the big clunk

I wouldn't think so. The shift motor either shifts or it doesn't. It isn't the kind of thing that goes fast or slow.

what engages the front hubs???

I don't understand the specifics, but once the transfer case engages, it starts to spin the front drivetrain. The spinning axleshafts move a cam in the hub that locks the hub. I would guess those "bangs" and "slips" are the hub taking a few tries before they fully engage. You might try cleaning them.

 

[fixxxer]

Clean and lube the hubs. There is an excellent writup as a sticky at the top of the Stock 91-94 forum