96 AWD problems

[cculter]

When I give the X gas in drive, I hear a loud popping noise from underneath my seat. I thought it might be the transfer case, or hubs in the front end. I didn't know how the AWD works in this year X. I also have a 1st gen. that I fixed the transfer case motor, so I am some what familar with how Ford built the 4X4 system. Any suggestions?

 

[Hartman]

Sounds like it could be the ujoints on your front driveshaft.

 

[gavin]

I betcha it's the cv-joint on the front driveshaft.
had that problem myself, and my cv-joint literally fell apart.
but a junkyard shaft for like $220, and it's been doin alright.
And contrary to popular belief (haha), the cv-joint is some-what serviceable.
You could try removing the shaft, and if you have a needle-point for your grease gun, there's a small hole on the back of the cv-joint that you can shoot grease into.