AWD to 2wd?

[-Jack-]

My 97 Mounty 5.0 AWD transfer case chain is slipping (at least I think that is what is happening). Eventually I will swap the transfer case, but right now I need to use the truck to tow a 5,000 lb boat long distance. Can I disconnect the front axel and use it to tow a boat cross-country? Are there any repocusions I need to think about?

 

[Turdle]

I'll bet you it is actually the front drive shaft making the noise-
I've even been bit by this. remove the front drive shaft and look very very closely at this area-
if the boot has even the slightest tear-there ya go.

 

[IZwack]

Can I disconnect the front axel and use it to tow a boat cross-country? Are there any repocusions I need to think about?

Dont disconnect the front driveshaft -- the vehicle will creep on Park if you do so.

 

[-Jack-]

If it were the front drive shaft or CV joint what would be the symptoms?

When I accelerate from a stop (doesnt happen every time and usually only happens when I stand on the accelerator, although sometimes it happens with a gentle acceleration) I hear and feel one or sometimes a few loud thuds. It is an awful sound and feels like the truck is coming apart underneath the drivers seat. I always assumed it was the transfer case chain slipping on the teeth.

 

[Glen4X4]

Have you checked your universal joints?

 

[Turdle]

If it were the front drive shaft or CV joint what would be the symptoms?

When I accelerate from a stop (doesnt happen every time and usually only happens when I stand on the accelerator, although sometimes it happens with a gentle acceleration) I hear and feel one or sometimes a few loud thuds. It is an awful sound and feels like the truck is coming apart underneath the drivers seat. I always assumed it was the transfer case chain slipping on the teeth.

You have just described the symptom of a failing front drive shaft.

 

[Hokie]

You have just described the symptom of a failing front drive shaft.

What if you get a loud "thud/click" even while the front D/S is removed (on my 4406)

 

[Turdle]

What if you get a loud "thud/click" even while the front D/S is removed (on my 4406)

Have you greased the rear Drive shaft slip yoke?
transmission mount? U joints?

 

[JoeMahma]

If it were the front drive shaft or CV joint what would be the symptoms?

When I accelerate from a stop (doesnt happen every time and usually only happens when I stand on the accelerator, although sometimes it happens with a gentle acceleration) I hear and feel one or sometimes a few loud thuds. It is an awful sound and feels like the truck is coming apart underneath the drivers seat. I always assumed it was the transfer case chain slipping on the teeth.

It could be your driveshaft but that is exactly what mine was doing and it ended up being the transfer case.