'86 F150 with factory Dana 44 w/ manual locking hubs. I flushed my TC since winter is coming up. I used Castrol Dex/Merc ATF. When I test drive after, there was a harsh vibration/grinding in 4x4 from the front end. Last time I used 4x4 a few weeks ago I didn't notice this. I was pulling a trailer out of the woods and up a steep hill, that could explain why I didn't notice it if it was there before.

In 2WD there is no problem at all. But, with the manual hubs locked, regardless of transfer case gear, there is a bad vibration/grinding, even a high pitched squeak from the front end. I topped off the front diff with a 1/2 quart - no difference. It acts/sounds like a wheel bearing or U joint to me. I am not familiar with 4x4.

I didn't see anything obvious - all the front U joints look very old, even have a little play, but they're not falling apart. I need some direction and advice. Thanks!!

 

I checked it out today. My tires are all the same brand and tread, but they're all choppy, feathered, and have different tread depths. I rotated them so that the rears have 6/32" and the fronts have 10/32" and 7/32". Before the right tires were low tread and the lefts had more tread, which probably caused problems engaging the front hubs. The seem to be properly engaging/disengaging now. However, I do need several u-joints throughout the drivetrain. They're not terrible, but should be replaced.

I am going to replace all the front axle u-joints. Any recommendations for a good brand?? Also, I will replace the front rotors and bearings. Recommendations for quality parts??

 

It sounds like front u-joints to me. I would use nothing but spicer u-joints. Order them online if your parts store doesn't carry them.

 

Spicer, eh? NAPA has Precision, are they any good? Where can I get the Spicer joints from online??

 

Rockauto.com usually has them or try drivetrainspecialists.com who should have them for sure.

 

Any product that has to tell you how good it is in the name (e.g. Precision, Duralast, Jim's world famous burger stand) is usually crap. Just my experience.

 

Good point andym. Alright, thanks guys I'll get them from one of those sights. This is something I do not want to do often. I want to put them in and have them LAST.

 

RocK Auto only carries ACdelco and Precision. I got on drivetrainspecialists.com and clicked on u joints. 80 different u joints came up and their website is so poorly designed that I could not figure out how to narrow them down for app specific u joints. I shot them an email asking for the POs. Geesh, I just want some quality u joints.