4x4 Front End Noise

[Todd~Rod]

Ok i have been searching and reading on here for about an hour. I have a 02 Explorer and this winter about a week ago i put my explorer in 4x4hi to get out of a drive way and then i hit 4auto drove down the street a little way then parked it. got in and noticed a poping clunking noise in the front end while i made turns....finally got it home parked it in my heated garage. The next day backed it out and made some turns no problems at all...and then now again today i notice it making those noises again while making low speed turns all while its in 4auto. Not sure what the problem could be either i need to check the cv joints or there is an issue with the TC. is there anything in the TC that could lock up in the cold when i put it in 4hi and not kicking out the whole way when told to go back to 4auto....and is my 4auto considered AWD???

 

[my pos mounty]

First and foremost, as you said, check those CV axles.
If CV's look ok, try removing front driveshaft, drive around and see if it still "pops, clunks" or whatever your hearing. Try to isolate where the noises are coming from.
The "auto 4x4" engages using an electric clutch activated by your computer, (to put it easily anyway). Might be your shift motor, but you need more information.
NAY NAY NAY, your 4x4 is not AWD. Yep, its got 4 wheels, and is 4 wheel drive, but that does not make it All Wheel Drive.

 

[thepotroast]

What shape are your ball joints in? Are the boots cracked/missing?

Just something easy to look at while you're down there. Bad ball joints will provide a gap/play which can also make that sound.

 

[Todd~Rod]

I take it the shift motor is mounted in the TC and could there be an issue with the 4x4 computer as i have read under the glove box???