Front driveline chutter

[Roadking]

97 4X4 SOHC XLT 63K

Hi All:

Been searchin' for a similar symptom - can't find one.
When I switch to 4HI at about 40mph I hear a chutter type sound from the front driveline?
I also feel a very slight vibration through the floorboards.
The noise/vibration is louder when I accelerate.

I know the upper ball joints need replacing soon.
I don't think they would produce this type of sound?

I'm thinking front u-joints?

 

[MrShorty]

A "chutter" and vibration sounds an awful lot like what the CV-joints did when the went bad on the rear driveshaft of my BII. I know CV joints usually click when the go bad, and might be a long extrapolation from the rear driveshaft of my BII to the front axleshafts on your explorer, but it might be the CV joints are bad. Is it worse in corners, or do they click when cornering?

 

[Roadking]

I didn't hear any clicking. I only notice it at above 15mph it feels/sounds like something is out of balance. It gets more noticeable with speed.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Have you checked the transfer case fluid level? What kind of surface are you on when it happens? Does it do it in a straight line, or only while turning?

 

[Roadking]

It's really noticeable going in a straight line up a slight incline at about 35-45mph.
If I switch back out of 4Hi it goes away.
I think I'll get under the truck tonight and check out the front drive shaft?
And fluid level in the t-case.