Clunking sound when accelerating, Transfer case?

[wjg68]

I have a 98 XLT I bought used in October 1998. When I'm accelerating i get a loud clunk, started about two months ago. If I baby it or really jump on it it doesn't happen. When I accelerate at a normal clip and hit a bump it happens. It doesn't happen all the time but it seems to be getting worse (more frequent). I don't think it's in the transmission as it happens in a variety of gears but usually between 2nd and 3rd gears.No slippage or loss of acceleration. Also noticed front drive shaft gets really hot, almost untouchable. Four wheel drive works and no other noises. I'm not very knowledgeable about 4x4's and just don't want to get ripped off getting it fixed. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and happy trails.

 

[Rick]

I'd check the u-joints first. Could be that one's about to let go.

 

[wjg68]

Thanks

Thanks for the quick response bud. If I have to replace them about how much am I looking at?

 

[toypaseo]

Grease the slip joint.

 

[JoeMahma]

I have a 98 XLT I bought used in October 1998. When I'm accelerating i get a loud clunk, started about two months ago. If I baby it or really jump on it it doesn't happen. When I accelerate at a normal clip and hit a bump it happens. It doesn't happen all the time but it seems to be getting worse (more frequent). I don't think it's in the transmission as it happens in a variety of gears but usually between 2nd and 3rd gears.No slippage or loss of acceleration. Also noticed front drive shaft gets really hot, almost untouchable. Four wheel drive works and no other noises. I'm not very knowledgeable about 4x4's and just don't want to get ripped off getting it fixed. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and happy trails.

If it were the transfer case you would most likely get the clunking under hard acceleration. As mentioned previously check your slip joint lubrication and your u joints.

 

[wjg68]

Thanks

Thanks for all the info. Taking it to be looked at Monday. See what they say. Local 4x4 shop. Camper Bob's. Lumberton,NJ. Ask them to check the slip joint and u joints. For the U joints, I can get it off the ground, hold the wheels stationary, and try to turn axle looking for looseness or play, sound right? 98 explorer xlt w/ auto 4wd. Any way to check the slip joint? Grease fittings? Thanks again.:exp:

 

[toypaseo]

Well, I had the clunking noise. I thought it was the typical u-joints. Took it to a local mechanic. He dropped the driveshaft and inspected the u-joints. He said they were fine. He greased the slip joint during reassembly. Noise gone after that.