96 explorer 4.0 4x4 need help

[cmcrjeremiah]

Hey guys. New here. Just picked it up yesterday for $300. Looks great 250,000 miles but no smoke. Only one problem . The front has this clunk when rolling along even at idle speed. By 20 mph it sounds and feels as if the wheels are going to fall off and by 50 it shakes do bad it rattles my teeth. Seems to be prominent on left side. I think its got something to do with the 4wd system. It doesn't seem to be the CV axles but I could be wrong. I pulled the left axle and it seems OK.

 

[cmcrjeremiah]

Also I hear these trucks have a lot of 4x4 troubles. Can I just disconnect the system and have it run fine as rear wheel drive only? Hopefully I can fix it up, its really nice inside and out. The previous owner really took care of it

 

[FR-425]

Axle is out?

Ok with no left axle?

 

[cmcrjeremiah]

Don't know yet. I goofed and wasn't thinking that if I took the axle out the hub bearing was no longer supported. Lol the wheel almost came completely off. Got a new hub coming from eBay.

 

[cmcrjeremiah]

Axle is out?

Ok with no left axle?

No I meant the axle seems OK. When I turn left or right nothing changes and if I jack the wheel up and spin it by hand it doesn't make any noises. Spins freely so I don't think 4wd is engaged or CV is damaged. Darn thing vibrates like its got 20# of wheel weights all on the same side of the rim but makes a racket that sounds like the CV came loose from the hub end and is slapping around

 

[FR-425]

Don't drive it till you check your brake caliper bolts!!!!!!

Check this tread!
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=192818

This is apparently very common on the second gens.

I'm thinking these bolts are Torque-to-yield single use bolts. or really need loc-tight
Soon as you do a brake job the bolts don't want to stay put.

Me personally I'd replace those sucka's