97 XLT Front Driveshaft

[Neanderthal57]

I managed to buy a 97 XLT AWD with no front driveshaft. I put one in and found out why the previous owner pulled it.

When turning the truck makes a loud popping noise. It only happens when I turn. I only drove it around the block so I only turned it to the right. Since its the truck my daughter uses to get to work I was concerned about getting it running again and didn't think to try a left turn.

Is this an axle problem? There is some slop in the front left. Prior to installing the drive shaft everything turned easily.

There is also a lot of oil on everything including the transfer case. Could that be from driving it with no front driveshaft? I'm trying not to sink too much money into this so I'd like the best shot at finding what's wrong without replacing more than I have to. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jremington59]

What do you mean by "some slop in the front left"? Is the oil gear oil, engine oil or tranny fluid?

 

[Neanderthal57]

I'm not much of a mechanic so I'm sorry if the terms aren't right. By slop I mean that what I think is part of the axle has some play right to left. Not a lot but I can move it with my hand. Not so with the right side.

The oil is not transmission fluid. Other than that I'm not sure what it is. Overall the truck runs pretty well, it's just squeaky.

 

[jremington59]

You'd probably be wise to jack up the front and see how much play is there when you grab the tire at 12 and 6, and at 3 and 9 and wiggle it back and forth. If your Daughters driving it, or anyone else for that matter, you don't want a wheel bearing or tie rod end to let go. If you're able to wobble it while it's on the ground something's getting loose.

As for the fluid, it's probably engine oil. Gear oil has a distinctively nasty smell.