control-trac and front end clunk

[Blee1099]

Does anyone experience some front end clunking when taking off. Reason I ask is because since it snowed on Saturday I've noticed some clunking when I go over some patches of snow or anything with the front end.
I'm guessing it's the auto 4x4 kicking in but I want to be sure.

 

[justin146]

You are correct. It is the front kicking in. When the back wheels slip the front starts pulling more.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Yeah, normal. My '99 makes noise when backing out of our parking space and turning on the snow/ice.

 

[allmine!]

is it normal to hear the clunking when the car is in 4wd auto and has been turned off? this morning i had parked it in a spot that was covered in snow and slush, when i turned it off, i heard very loud clunking coming from the front. is that normal? i have never really heard this clunking before, even when i put the car in 4wd auto mode while i am driving.

hint

96 explorer

 

[TPLYNCH]

Were you in 4Lo when you parked? Sure it wasn't your cat's crackling as they cooled off??

 

[allmine!]

No, it wasn't in 4wd low...it was in 4wd auto when I parked it. I have never heard the car make noises as loud as these when it was in 4wd auto, or 2wd, at any time, especially after i have turned the car off.

hinton

 

[Mikes95XLT]

Something that I've noticed recently... with my escapades over the last weekend getting almost stuck etc and 4LO not engaging etc (so I was using 4AUTO to get out), I've been driving around, and when I slow down and the truck would be going back into first gear (not in 4WD mind you), it sounds like a clunk in the transfer case. Not sure why it would do that..... ?

 

[justin146]

Mikes95XLT, is your OD Off light flashing?

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by Mikes95XLT
when I slow down and the truck would be going back into first gear (not in 4WD mind you), it sounds like a clunk in the transfer case. Not sure why it would do that..... ?

Sounds like the symptoms of a slip yoke that needs lubed. See this thread and compare symptoms:

Dead Link Removed

 

[Mikes95XLT]

No O/D OFF light does not flash.....