92 Explorer 4x4 in 4H and 4L making a POP noise!

[MontanaCowboy]

Howdy Montana Cowboy here, hey i have a 92 explorer with only 77,000 miles on it. I need advise with the Explorer.

I have been using the 4-wheel drive, in 4H and 4L. when i put the Explorer in 4H I hear and feel the usual slight jerk, then I stop put the explorer in 4L (place the vehicle in neutral) I start out and hear a loud Pop, well this pop noise sounds again later as i move down a hill or up, popping every 50 yards or so. There seems to feel like a slight restriction/friction as the vehicle moves. I now notice the friction and little continuous popping noise but not as loud in 4H. Seems something is amiss.

Does anyone have any ideas?

I checked the Explorer front end for a blown hub, as mentioned in the FAQ 4x4 section , did the first test, the hubs appear to lock in. The u joints all seem tight, no grease fittings. This explorer is the automatic transmission and hubs.

MontanaCowboy

 

[Roadrunner777]

When you take of the tire and hub, you will see the spindle with the axle stub coming out the center. The axle stub should have a splined washer and C clip, which serves to position the axle in the spindle. If these are missing, the axle is free to float around and makes interesting noises.

Also, I just rebuilt my spindles and discovered a pretty good looking universal joint had actually frozen up.

I might suggest turning the wheels hard one direction, jacking up and turning each axle. That should prove out the outer U joints. The inner passenger side U joint... well, just hope that one is ok.

 

[MontanaCowboy]

Hey Road Runner Thanks for your suggestions, I unfortunately was too busy to try your suggestions. I did read a number of post, as i searched for ideas. I believe it is a hub problem, the ratchet sound now seems to come to mind in my memory, have had a number of 4x4's over the years and the loud bang/pop in 4L I think one of the hubs is frozen up. I will try your test as soon as I find my one arm bandit jack/old jaw breaker, hummm Beginning to snow hard here, temp to be in singles by tomorrow, hope to wrangle an elk sometime in this arctic air. The wolves have been hard on the local herd.

 

[Roadrunner777]

I'm in Northern Minnesota, well, no wolves, but plenty cold here too.