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97 4.0 Noob ... need help with diagnosis

Joined
April 4, 2007
Messages
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City, State
Toronto
Year, Model & Trim Level
97 xl
I have a 97 automatic 4 door 4.0 AWD

On a recent highway trip, while disengaging from cruise control (not touching brakes), I heard a rasping noise from the driveline. Not grinding, but more like something spinning fast that wasn't quite engaged. Imagine the sound made when you run the shaft of a screwdriver along the length of one of those long flexible screw pick up tools with the magnet at the end - but a lot louder and faster.

I shifted into neutral (sound continued) and coasted to the shoulder, where the sound stopped when I got down to about 5 miles per hour. I stopped completely and put it back in drive... and seemed ok.

Continued on, 5 miles later, same thing happened. Shifted into neutral started to move to shoulder, but this time put it back in drive at about 40 mph. Sound continued and then heard a big BANG within a few seconds.

Got to shoulder. Truck wouldn't engage in any forward or reverse gears.

After a 4 hour flatbed ride, got the truck home. Now I'm trying to do some rudimentary diagnosis before I start pulling parts out.

Given the challenges with the transmissions in these vehicles, this is the obvious answer, but interested in your thoughts.

- Could it be something else?
- If transmission, does it sound rebuildable (the Bang tells me no)

Thoughts?

Rod
 






I'd start with the transfer case.
 












I am not really aware of one. But here is what I'd consider. While you to not HAVE to pull the TC to drop the tranny, it's easier of you do.... so let's focus there first.

Drain the fluid out of it and look for metal or chunks. If you find either, drop it and split it. There is a 4405 Rebuild Diary that is half done, at least thru dissassembly...

That is where I'd start.
 






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