beefing up the stock front axel??

[jonlax]

To start out i have a 99 sport 4x4. The front end is killing me from bearing problems to constant groans and jolts coming from the front end when in auto 4x4.It is also making This jolting type surges that you can tell comes from the front end which makes me thing the front gears are shot. Binding sounds happen ofent and it is getting on my nerves. Anyone know anything or any companys to beef up that ****ty front axel other than a solid swap? Also i REALLY want to get rid of that auto chain driven transfer case. Anything that can be put in there that does not need wiring? I would go with an atlas 2 but with the truck being an auto and that transfer case having such low gearing i would tear up everything on that drivetrain. Any suggestions??

 

[Mbrooks420]

I don't think there is too much you can do to it. I don't think an Atlas would tear everything up, but being able to stop the truck without having a clutch might not be very easy. I'd be willing to bet that your transfer case is likely in worse shape than your differential. The auto t cases are very weak and will emit all sorts of popping and clunking as they go bad. When does the front sound like it's binding up?

 

[jonlax]

The T-case feels like it slips and kicks in when in 4x4 auto. When in full time high it feels fine. The front makes groans when under accelaration or tunring. The bearings were changed 2 times since i got it. When accelarating the truck will start to move then the front axel engages with a jerking or jolt and then it is fine. The transmission feels solid so i ruled that out.

Any help welcomed. I might go solid but not till late summer when i have more equipment at my fingertips along with a little more info on the swap.

Thanks, Jon

 

[Mbrooks420]

The transfer case is supposed to engauge/disengauge when in auto. Is this happening in a high traction environment like gravel, or dry packed earth? Does it only bind up when turing near full lock?

 

[white95explorer]

You might be able to find someone that can beef up your from axle shafts for you if not build new ones. With the transfer case there are several posts on here talking about swaps. I plan on swapping a BW 1354 t case, which is manually engaged 4x4. Just do a search for BW 1354 swap. It still is a chain t case but they are not all that bad compared to the BW 4405 auto t case

 

[jonlax]

this slipping of the T-case is happening when on pavement.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'd do the brown wire mod to get rid of the auto. A 1354 swap is a good idea.