Front Slipping, or Popping, while in 4x4 (lo or hi)

[theluke19]

Howdy folks!

Enjoyed an adventure this weekend, but had the second showing of some symptoms while in 4x4.

This started actually happening the last time I was on an adventure, but this time, I used 4x4 a lot more, and it seemed to be a little more constant, and rotational- so I'll definitely need to look into the issue before going out again.

While using 4x4 hi or lo, I hear a rotational popping and what feels kinda like 'slipping' (someone who was behind me noticed that every once in a while, my back wheels would spin, but front wouldn't - unsure if that's due to open diff or not.. but I think it's related to this issue). It doesn't happen ALL the time, but started happening about once every 4-5 seconds while traveling about 5-10 mph up loose rocks.


From what I've read, it almost sounds like an issue with my CV axle/joint, but I"m not really too sure.. any thoughts?

 

[Newfy Trac]

Might be a long shot, but buddies Explorer Sport was making the same noise. Ended up being the front Driveshaft. The Joint where it bolts up to transfer case was worn badly. Almost all of the driveshaft bolts were loose as well.

 

[theluke19]

Got to thinking about this- Could it be caused if the tires are mismatched on pressure by ~5-7psi or so? They're matched now - and I know it's a noob mistake.. but I'm wondering if I caused any permanent damage.


I crawled under today while truck was off/inpark/2wd, and grabbed ahold of the front driveshaft - and it has some loose rotational play. It can be rotated about 1/8-1/4 inch each way. Bolts didn't seem to be loose.

I don't know what to make of that, is it good or bad?

What other kind of tests can I take to diagnose what's going on?

 

[slickemhoundd]

Sound anything like this? I just put a t-case in and no more problems at all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQYjuWf18hQ&list=FLhvbveFxt3qwvdT0qWwt3wQ&index=6&feature=plpp_video

 

[theluke19]

That's more of a ratcheting which it's what it seems like mine would evolve into. Wish I'd have taken a video. Mine was more of a single pop each few seconds that sped up when I sped up. I was driving up a mountain trail with loose rocks and when it would pop the back wheels would also dig in the rocks , like the front wasn't getting power to the wheels a it popped. The person following me even noticed my front wheels weren't working every so often

 

[slickemhoundd]

i had my buddy take a peek underneath while i was crawling up some rocks, he noticed my driveshaft was actually skipping. Now in that video was on the throttle obviously but at any speed in 4 wheel the slightest tap on the throttle i would get the clink. Under any load what so ever. So in the video was pretty fast from throttling but take that and slow it to a creep, the binding sound, is that what your hearing?

 

[theluke19]

Well - Looks like my problem evolved into a 2wd issue as well. Drove home from work Friday, and then tried to back out of the driveway on Friday night, and got some clunking/ and then some grinding while in 1st gear. 2nd gear didn't do the same, so that's how I drove it to the shop. Took it into the Mechanic, who states that the Transfer Case was the booger. It's currently being rebuilt by the same mechanic.

 

[$$exploder$$]

Does it have automatic hubs? It could be hub is going bad. Might need to change them to Manuel lockout hubs

 

[aldadank1]

Well - Looks like my problem evolved into a 2wd issue as well. Drove home from work Friday, and then tried to back out of the driveway on Friday night, and got some clunking/ and then some grinding while in 1st gear. 2nd gear didn't do the same, so that's how I drove it to the shop. Took it into the Mechanic, who states that the Transfer Case was the booger. It's currently being rebuilt by the same mechanic.

I'm having the same issue...just started the other day. I had just backed into a spot to turn around, when I put it in drive it wouldn't move. So I put it into 1st and it would move. So I went from 1 to 2 then Drive and noticed a slight grinding noise. I checked tranny fluid and its clean and full. I posted something about it the other day but haven't gotten any answers yet.

Can you just let me know if the t-case rebuild helps?? I actually never tried my 4x4 until today, but the lights on the dash don't come on and I didn't hear anything trying to engage underneath the truck either. I had the tranny rebuilt last year so I don't think that's it, but I could be wrong.

Thanks in advance for any advice/tips/help.

 

[theluke19]

Does it have automatic hubs? It could be hub is going bad. Might need to change them to Manuel lockout hubs

I did a few quick searches, but couldn't confirm compatibility on a 2005 sport trac.. Is it a for-sure option for my Sport Trac?

 

[slickemhoundd]

No hub options for you. Unless your running ttb or straight axle