Front axle bearing noise on '00?

[unforgiven]

I've been reading up on some threads dealing with the front axle bearing assembley going bad. I currently have a noise that comes and goes from time to time. It's a moderate scrapping sound, I having a hard time deciding it's location it's only at a moderate speed <30 mph. Most often when costing down a hill or slowing down, but does not stop or start with brake application. If any one has any ideas that would be great. It does have a slight metallic sound to it, but not sold on that yet. it never does just sitting still, so feel it's in the running gear, and possibly in middle to front of the vehical.

'00 4.0 sohc sport
4x4 auto 5-spd.

48,000 mies.

 

[Doug]

It could be your transfer case. Ive heard of other people having similair problems and it turned out to be the t-case.