99 xlt popping cracking when 4x4

[BRUTALSACK]

Hello Guys, Well I have a 99 Explorer 4x4 and i got a few questions. Thnx for the help in advance.

Recently after taking the explorer thru the mud it started making this weird sound. Sounds like a loud cracking or slipping(axle?) from the front drivers side. This happened all the time if i gave it a little bit of gas. So I did the brown wire mod and it stopped but it still does it a little bit in Auto if the rear wheels slip(even with the switch in off.) It does it really bad if i try to engage 4hi or 4lo. Could this be my transfer case going bad? or maybe something smaller like the u-joint? Anything I can do myself thats not too difficult. I am a little mechanically inclined but mainly on Hondas so this might be a tad different.

Also when 4hi or 4lo is engaged should all 4 wheels spin? cause when i had it the mud only the drivers front and passengers rear would grab. I just got this truck not too long ago and dont know too much about it but been trying to read up as a much as much as i can
thnx
tony:exp:

 

[BRUTALSACK]

anyone dat can help?

 

[BRUTALSACK]

bump

 

[BRUTALSACK]

one last time

 

[alohamonte]

i'll take a stab at it.

since this started happening after playing in the mud, I'd say you have mud where the sun dont shine. Those differentials have breathers and if you go in deep mud/water, you need to flush them out as soon as possible to avoid what you're going through now.

To your second question, no, all 4 wheels will will not spin up in the air without a locker.

 

[BRUTALSACK]

i'll take a stab at it.

since this started happening after playing in the mud, I'd say you have mud where the sun dont shine. Those differentials have breathers and if you go in deep mud/water, you need to flush them out as soon as possible to avoid what you're going through now.

To your second question, no, all 4 wheels will will not spin up in the air without a locker.

o ok thnx. But could dat make it the 4x4 wrk? cause it doesnt seem to work to well anyomore or almost at all.

 

[Caejxr]

if you add a locker the wheels will both work when it is engaged. if you got water into your breather lines as aloahamonte said you need to drian the fluid asap and replace it with fresh synthetic.