Loud Popping sound from front end

[cmhaah06]

Ok, so I have had a loud popping sound coming from the drivers side, from the front end, since my last 4xing trip. It happens in 4lo when climbing inclines or when i apply a decent amount of throttle in a straight line. I have a 91 x, push button 4x4, auto hubs and 31's.

I thought the sound was the auto hubs giving out on me. I made a trip to the junk yard and replaced the hubs. I tested the hubs after install in a dirt parking lot. I still got the popping sound when turning, not quite at full lock, but not as much while driving straight ahead.

So I thought I had fixed the problem. I went to a spot where I knew I could put the transfer in 4lo and test the hub under load. Problem was still there.

I had a buddy of mine watch as I drove the truck in 4lo, he said it looked like the tire would turn, grab, start to scrub, then give and turn, causing the popping sound.

So needless to say, I would like a little input on where to go from here. I am going to check the u-joints in the axles asap, but would the u-joints cause this much of a problem? Any help at all would be much appreciated.

 

[fixxxer]

U-joints in the front drive-shaft could, the u-joints on the front axles might also cause a popping noise. How long since any of the front u-joints were replaced? What about your RAB's? 4-Low should not be used for anything except for when you are stuck or on a very steep, slippery incline. Most of the time wheeling, I stay in 2wd or 4-high

 

[cmhaah06]

Thanks for the reply fixxxer. I dont know the last time they were replaced. I've only owned this vehicle for just over a year. I have not replaced them, and they're on my list of things to do. It sounds like they may have just moved into the number one spot on that list as well. Could there be any possibility that it could be the r/p? or the splines on the axle itself?

 

[sledgehammer1990]

I had a similar issue. Well, I think it relates to this. Everytime I hit a small bump, my front axle would make a sound as if it was metal on metal. I replaced both outer U joints and spindle axles and the noise went away. I put all four wheels in the air to test 4x4 and the one locking hub I was having issues with wasn't working right. In 4x4 mode, it would grab, slip, grab on and off. I need to replace it and see if that does it.

 

[1991fordexploder]

loud popping in front end

Check your Radius Arm Bushings. i guarantee they're shot!

 

[cmhaah06]

Sledge-going to check u-joints today, radius arm Bushings as well. Your problem sounds similar to mine. I hope I get this figured out, have a camping/4x4 trip coming up.

1991explorer- you have the same year x as I do. So you think my rab's would cause all these issues? We'll see, gonna go check em.

 

[sledgehammer1990]

Sledge-going to check u-joints today, radius arm Bushings as well. Your problem sounds similar to mine. I hope I get this figured out, have a camping/4x4 trip coming up.

1991explorer- you have the same year x as I do. So you think my rab's would cause all these issues? We'll see, gonna go check em.

Yeah, I need to grab a new hub before July 4th weekend. My friend and I are taking our trucks up and 2 dirtbikes and 2 quads. Plan on going camping and do a little 4x4 in the mountains. Should be fun, hope you get your issue fixed in time.

 

[HahnsB2]

It's the Auto Hubs. Trash those pieces of garbage and stop using 4x4 on pavement and you'll be fine.

 

[cmhaah06]

So I checked the rab's and u-joints. Both look old. Rab's are still in one piece don't look to dry and are not falling apart. The joints look the same, old and worn but they aren't showing any major signs of failure. I will replace with new parts asap, anybody know the part numbers for the joints in the front axle?

HanhsB2- would love to get new manual hubs. Wanna donate to the needs new hubs fund? I plan on upgrading asap. As far as driving on pavement, never in 4x4, especially in 4lo! Truck is daily driver so pavement is a must.

 

[sledgehammer1990]

I had a hard time finding the proper parts, but let me grab that model number for you...


For the U-joints, you will need this. Even though it is for a Dana 44, it will work. I did this the other day. I would recommend replacing the spindle bearings while you have them pulled off. Get the kit that comes with 4 items.

U-JOINT SPICER 5-760X 5-297X DANA 44 30 10 BOLT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...gename=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:1123&salenotsupported

DANA 44 30 10 BOLT SPINDLE BEARING SEAL KIT 706527X
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DANA...20090602QQitemZ370209883464QQsalenotsupported

You could do a search to see if you can find them anywhere else cheaper, but I was able to get both from ebay. My total came to just under $80 for 2x U joints and 2x Spindle Bearing Kits with shipping. Your front axle has 3 U Joints, but I only needed to replace my outer ones.

 

[HahnsB2]

As far as driving on pavement, never in 4x4, especially in 4lo! Truck is daily driver so pavement is a must.

Sorry, I missed the "dirt" part of "dirt parking lot".

 

[cmhaah06]

So I replaced the auto hubs with new "junk yard" type hubs. Still automatic style but they worked, so I thought. I went on a day trip on a relatively easy trail. Needless to say something gave out. Not sure what it is. It started making the same sound. The only way I can explain it now is take a ratchet put an extension on it hold on to the extension and spin it around. The ratcheting sound is the best I can explain it. The tires would still spin but the popping is so bad I used two wheel drive only to get off the trial. Luckly the trail wasn't tough enough to have to use 4x4, except for in a couple spots. So as soon as I can I plan on taking the frontend apart. So anybody have any ideas? Maybe an output shaft on the transfer case? Idk. I guess we'll see.

 

[sledgehammer1990]

That is the exact same sound my front drivers side is making with my manual locking hub I got from the junk yard. I am still looking for a new/used one somewhere.