Clunking while in four wheel drive

[91'Ranger]

First of all, sorry if I sound like an @$$hole, I am just a little ticked. I just bought a 2000 explorer xlt and I was driving around today. I figured I would play with the 4x4. I put it in 4x4 and I took a turn (rather slowly) and I heard grinding and the whole truck started clunking. It almost felt like the wheels were slipping. This doesn't happen in auto 4x4. Anyone know what it could be or have experienced this? Thanks for your help. Problem is the damn service department is closed for the weekend!.
91'Ranger

 

[RangerX]

Were you on pavement at the time?

 

[91'Ranger]

Yes I was. At first I was in a paved bank parking lot then went to a larger parking lot to make turns to see if it continued, it did.

 

[RangerX]

You're not supposed to use 4x4 on pavement, especially doing turns. The tires need to slip, as they are all turning in different arcs. Sounds like your tires were forcing the slip, which is a good thing. Hopefully nothing was damaged. Next time try it on dirt or snow.

 

[91'Ranger]

Are you serious? I never knew that. What happens when it has snowed but there are clear spots were the wheels can't slip? I don't want to break something.

 

[RangerX]

Well I'm not familar with the late model 4x4 system, but I'd say that's what auto 4x4 is for. Check your manual and see what it says, and maybe someone else will chime in with some knowledge.

 

[88vert]

Never use 4x4 on dry pavement

 

[91'Ranger]

I only did tested the 4x4 for about 5 min, did I do much damage?

 

[88vert]

Try it out in some mud or snow next time.hopefully everything is alright

 

[91'Ranger]

ok, thanks. I hope I didn't damage anything. I ordered a manual, I guess I should've read one before I went messing around. Someone said that cv joints often go bad so I was thinking it was that.

 

[88vert]

The main reason a cv axel shaft will go bad is becase the boot ripped and it contaminates the bearing

 

[91'Ranger]

gotcha...thanks. Anything I should look for that would show that I damaged something?

 

[88vert]

Trust me you will know if there is damage

 

[91'Ranger]

ok, I just took it for a ride and everything feels ok. Thanks for your help. I haven't even made my first payment so I don't want to screw the explorer up

 

[88vert]

If you have any more problems dont hesitate to come back and visit