clunk noise when in 4x4

[bulldoser50]

hi i have a 94 ford explorer limited and when i put it in 4 wheel drive there is a clunking noise in the front like somethings loose but you can really only hear it in the cab, i feel it in the floor pan. you cant hear it outside of the truck. even when i take it out of 4 wheel drive it still does it till i park it for 5-10 mins then its just fine. any idea?
thanks
ryan

 

[Lt.Jim]

Sounds like a transfer case problem. Does it make this noise while parked or does it stop when you park then go away after 5-10 mins? Give a little more detail on when it is making the noise.(i.e turning, moving forward or rev sitting still in gear) the transmission gods will start to chime in but will probably want more info.

 

[bulldoser50]

it makes the noise after i press the 4x4 and it goes while going straight, turning reverse. but it dosent make the noise while it is parked or when i am in gear and stopped.
thanks
ryan

 

[DeRocha]

Could be several things... T-Case as mentioned, but also front diff (broken ring & pinion) or more likely worn U-joints... These components only move after you have locked the front hubs and while the vehicle is moving... When were the U-joints last changed? The typically last 100K, but will deteriorate faster with use and exposure to water etc... Also the front drive shaft and passenger side axle shaft contain slip joints that will clunk if not adequately greased... This noise would lesson on flat roads (when the shafts are less likely to slip) and make more noise on bumpy roads (when the shafts are more likely to slip).

Also when was the T-case fluid last replaced?

 

[ajr2000]

I have a similar problem. When I'm in 4hi (or lo) and when I'm turning (seems to be only left) I can hear bad clunking noises, then it will slip, and the wheel will actually kinda lock up because I could hear the tire squeak on the pavement. Any ideas?

 

[ExploderHOKIE]

ajr2000, the 4 wheel drive isn't meant to be used on dry pavement, when you turn on dry pavement all 4 tires turn at different speeds, so if you have it in 4 wheel drive the tires are going to try and squeal a little and if you turn hard enough it might ause things to lock up a little

 

[ajr2000]

Good to hear, thanks.