Loud grinding, popping when 4x4 is engaged

[mpntball2012]

Hey guys,
For awhile there has been a slight grinding in the front end and in the rear and has recently gotten much worse. My uncle drove it to the shop to look at it and found the rear diff has to be replaced (Pinion and carrier bearings) wore out a long time ago evidently. Yes, that could definitely have caused the grinding but I am still concerned about the popping that goes on in the front end while 4x4 high is engaged.
When you turn sharply it seems to catch a "notch", pop, and lurch forward like you've just popped the clutch on a manual. I've only done it just once but it literally sounded like the hub exploded. Personally, I think the CV joint has gone bad but I'm no expert. *All this seems to come from the front drivers side.*

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[kert0307]

You're not suppose to engage 4X4 on pavement. Even if everything is working fine, if you put it in 4x4 on pavement and turn your drive-line will bind up and jerk like you are describing.

 

[mpntball2012]

Ok. I've never used 4x4 on pavement other than those couple feet. However, last year during the first big snow we used it to get out of a driveway, nearly zero traction and it was still grinding and popping slightly.

 

[kert0307]

Was it doing it only at full lock of the steering wheel?

 

[mpntball2012]

Nope. Any minor-major turning makes a pretty audible noise. As you kept turning you would eventually be able to feel it. Definitely not normal.