98 explorer front axle questions

[kevinsranger]

hey guys, i need help tracking down this problem i'm having, i tried searching but didnt get very good results, prob from bad search skills lol.


98 explorer 4x4 4.0 auto trans 4405 transfercase

i have the front driveshaft out of my truck right now because i am replacing the transfer case, with or without the front driveshaft in when i turn at slow speeds it sounds and feels like its in 4 wheel drive on dry pavement. is this a common problem thats easy to fix or is this something odd

 

[my98nnj]

You sure it's not the front diff. you need to replace?

 

[kevinsranger]

You sure it's not the front diff. you need to replace?

i havent torn into it yet, i wanted to see if its common on these trucks and what to look for first, i'm new to the whole live axle dana 35, i have a 94 ranger with the dana 35ttb with manual locking hubs, so i know how to troubleshoot those.

 

[ericautopart]

It's not a live axle but indepedant front suspension. It sounds like it's coming from the rear diff though.

 

[kevinsranger]

It's not a live axle but indepedant front suspension. It sounds like it's coming from the rear diff though.

what i meant by live axle is there is no disconnects (auto or manual locking hubs/vacuum hubs) they always spin. but its definitely from the front end not the rear, i'm just not familiar enough with it to know where to begin to look besides draining the fluid in the diff.

 

[ericautopart]

Once you open the diff cover the internals are the same as any TTB, etc. Check for metal flakes or chips. My guess would be the spider gears.