Transfer Case binding???

[300nz]

I have a 99 XLT with over 150k miles. I jacked up one front wheel and one rear wheel to rotate the tires. When I tried to spin the front wheel, I noticed that it would turn easily for about a quarter turn then bind and I think the driveline was also starting to turn. Is this normal? When I turn a sharp turn first thing in the cool mornings,there is a slight moan that comes from the front end and it seems like there is a drag in the driveline. This has been noticed for a while. Other than this anomaly, it seems to run fine. I use this for highway driving and leave the 4wd selector in auto. Any info would be helpful. THanks

 

[gijoecam]

There may have been enough friction in the transfer case clutch to make it feel like it was binding. The clutches in there (i think) may not be lubed well when it's sitting in place, so the front driveshaft wanted to hang up. Trying to drive it through the diff didn't help.

I'd grab the front driveshaft directly and give it a spin. It should turn with some resistance, but not too much. Also, try it with both front wheels off the ground so you're not forcing the axle to differentiate 100% (which will make it harder to turn the driveshaft)

-Joe

 

[IZwack]

When I turn a sharp turn first thing in the cool mornings,there is a slight moan that comes from the front end

Have the front ball joints been replaced or are they still the stock ball joints? Cauz this sounds like a ball joint "moan" or "groan".

 

[300nz]

The ball joints are original. The noise occurs only when the vehicle moving while the steering is held in a turn. It does not happen if the wheels are straight or slightly turned.

Are these transfercases rebuildable?