Front axle not working in 4 wheel drive

[chico]

I have a 91 explorer. When i push the 4x4 button the light comes on as well as the 4x4 low light, but when i'm goingdown the trail everything seems fine but come to find out any time i come to a obstacle the fron makes a loud popping noise and the front axle is not pulling at all. it still has the auto lock hubs and the locker in the rear. Iv'e clibmed under the truck while a friend pushes the 4x4 button and everything seems to be working right there as well as in 4x4 low...just the front axle not pulling and making a hell of a popping noise in forward and reverse. I'm kinda guessing it possibly is the auto hubs and i've checked into swapping over to manual but can't really afford to do that if the problem is something else. If anyone could help with this...Thanks...CHICO

 

[TPLYNCH]

Your hubs are shot. When you pull the wheel, they'll probably fall apart in your hand. Replace with manual.

 

[CodePoet]

Warn and mile marker seem to be main companies that make manual hubs for the d35ttb. It's much cheaper to replace them with manual than autos...if you MUST have autos go to www.fordpartsnetwork.com and talk to Tory, he'll help you find the exact part to fix your auto hubs.

Later
cp

 

[chico]

Thanks....I can't afford a whole lot right now so i am going to hit the junk yard tomarrow so at least i can go out. I was down at tillamock state forest @ browns camp this past weekend and all my buddies drive cherokee's and there giving me a hard time for having a ford, so i have to get right back out there. Thanks for the info.