4x4 Problem, U-Joints, Hubs? Both? Need help asap please

[HxCGuitars]

Alright thanks everyone. Just called the shop and was quoted $325 for parts and labor which I don't think is bad at all. And if I'm able to pick up the manual lockers from the yard then I think I've got myself a pretty nice budget deal.

I jacked up one end and it felt like it was binding at times, but I had difficulty telling.

Again, thanks to everyone. Seems to be a wealth of knowledge here. Oh, and if anyone has anything else to add, please don't hesitate, I'm opening to reading any advice.

 

[HxCGuitars]

Ok just took a video. Of course this is after all the chattering and grinding that sounds like my hubs trying to engage. Then I tried going up, and there'd be no way I'd make it up if the fronts weren't turning, so they are at least partially engaging, but then I get the clunking and hopping in the front end that feels like it's binding. Are these the u-joints?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDR95xR2yrY

 

[Naasau]

Good news, It was sounding too irregular for me to believe that it was coming directly from the pumpkin; so you're probably right that it is the u-joints. Cheap fix and easy to do. I would say that you probably shouldn't even worry about switching to manual hubs till your auto hubs fail. Ya know, the whole 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' thing. Especially if you're not going to be doing a whole lot of scary off-roading during the winter.

The only reason I finally switched mine over to manual hubs (Warn Pt #37780) is because I found that offroading, my auto's didn't like to switch between forward and reverse very readily, I believe it is that way with all of em, some technical flaw; and I figured if I was going to go with manuals, then I would want them to never break again. So instead (or in addition to) junkyard manual hubs, you might consider saving up for a set.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/May04/offroad.htm

 

[HxCGuitars]

I'm pretty sure my driver side hub is shot. Even while I'm not trying to engage it I keep hearing the wom wom noise, and it's definitely the hub. If I try to engage it goes away and is replaced by clunking and clicking from the hubs. Then if I hit it again it goes back to the woming. Woo loving dealing with all of this haha.

Thanks for the good news Naasau, heading to the shop tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed!

 

[Naasau]

That sucks. Did you want me to see how much shipping would be for my pair of auto's? Or just go manuaks while you have the chance?

 

[HxCGuitars]

Well, just got back from the shop. I seriously stumbled across the best shop I've ever been to. Most honest, straight forward, good guy I've ever met. So much came apart in my front end.

So many retainers and bearings came apart while he was simply inspecting them. The clutch sort of part that sits on the spindle and engages the auto hubs were completely shot. One u-joint was completely loose (most freeplay I've ever seen), while another was locked up in one direction. So since the hubs came apart, manual ones are going on.

The guy took me out into his shop and showed me everything. So much was wrong in my front end. If anyone's interested I'll try to get a parts list of sorts. He said he's not leaving until it's done, and this is "his" truck until it leaves the shop.

So everything that was wrong in my front end fixed, all my u-joints replaced, new manual locking hubs installed, said it'll run better than new. $801 later, but it was so worth it. So much better than the Ford dealer wanting over $900 JUST for the hubs, forget all the other parts they would've found wrong in the front end if they did the u-joints. Seriously, best shop I've EVER been to.

Oh and Naasau, thanks for the offer and everything! Everyone here is very helpful, I'll definitely stick around to learn. Again thank you everyone!

 

[wood1]

Glad you got it all sorted out dude. The manual hubs are far better, you'll be much happier with them.