99 AWD Explorer/Clanking coming from front end

[rc1626]

Just started happening. More so when I turn but once I'm driving it continues even when going straight. More pronounced at lower speed. Changed out the passenger CV axle this past August. Thought it was the drivers side so I just changed that out too. Had my wife slowly pull it into the driveway while I crawled alongside but hard to pinpoint sound location. I think it might be coming from the front driveshaft. Either universal joint, front diff hub bearing, or maybe transfer case. Maybe something inside front diff?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rob

 

[koda2000]

Check you front sway bar end-links and sway bar bushings.

 

[rc1626]

I put it up on four jack stands to run it to get a better indication. Definitely in the drive train. I just cant tell where it is coming from. I crawled under the car and It sounds like it is coming from the front driveshaft. The sound resonates throughout the driveshaft so I don't know if its the driveshaft itself or the transfer case or something in the front diff. Any ideas on what I can do to pinpoint the sound? From what I can see there is no play in the front universal on the driveshaft. Going to go give it another listen.
Thanks.

 

[rc1626]

I believe it is the front driveshaft. Pulled it and there does seem to be a bit of binding in the booted joint at the rear. Going to bolt a new one on in the next couple of days and see if problem is solved. Pretty sure that is the issue.

 

[koda2000]

It could be the front driveshaft CV joint is going bad. I rebuilt mine a couple of years ago after it started making a loud clicking noise. Not very hard to do, but a very messy job. At the time the only ones offering a rebuild kit was Dorman. I now see many other's offering the kit on eBay at about 1/2 what I paid (IIRC I paid around $80). I'm pretty sure they're all made by Dorman though, as they all look like the identical kit I used. You'll find the supplied bolts are too short, so you'll need to reuse your old bolts. The only tool I didn't have was the one to install the metal clamp on the boot.

Front Drive Shaft Rear CV Joint Boot Repair Kit for Ford Pickup Truck 4WD 4x4 | eBay

 

[Mbrooks420]

You can drive it just fine without the front shaft for testing, just beware it will slowly creep in park without the front shaft installed. I wouldn’t buy a cheap remanned shaft from an auto store, it will very likely fail in short order. If rebuilding it is out of your skill set, I’d have a local driveline shop rebuild your factory shaft for you.

 

[rc1626]

Replaced the front driveshaft and all is good now. I went with a rebuilt due to not wanting to spend the time pulling it apart. It was the cv joint by the way. I'll be looking to get rid of the truck in the next 6 - 8 months so hopefully it will hold up. Thanks for the input from everyone.