4x4 makes cracking popping sound?

[jackbegone43]

Hey everyone. My niece crashed her 94 Eddie B. Explorer 4x4 to other week and I'm trying to fix all I can before sending it to a pro.

The 4x4 is making a cracking and popping sound like if it's about to break loose. it takes a while for the sound to stop after i put it back in 2wd. Also I can turn the 4x4 shaft under the Explorer when it's in 2wd. Should I be able to do this? Any ideas on what I should check and do at this point?

thanks
Jack

 

[H munster]

Does it have auto hubs? If so it sounds like mine did when they didnt disengage fully. There are several great write ups about how to clean them.