Hey guys!
I have a 1996 f150 and when the 4x4 is engaged it makes a knocking sound. My 4x4 worked perfectly until I forgot to disengage it when I left a mud hole and started driving down the road. All of a sudden it made a loud knocking sound and ever since then my 4x4 will not work right. Every now and then it will catch but then it pops and knocks and it sounds like the whole front ends about to fall out from under it! If anyone has an idea of what I broke I would really appreciate any help!
Thanks!

 

How does the U-joints look on each side of the steering knuckle?

 

Does it pop and knock but still work, or does it lose engagement too?

Check everything over real good, including the hub locks.

 

When it is engaged you can hear what seems to be the axel turning inside the wheel but it won't catch. Sometimes it will catch and pop. Would the splines on the end of the axel be stripped off?

 

Or maybe the hubs aren't locking in right?

 

If the sound's coming from the hub, then them hubs are probably blown. Especially if they're the weak auto hubs (the ones with no dial on them).

Doubt that you'd strip the axle splines before the hub failed... even if the hub held up the u-joints or stub shaft would probably snap before the splines gave out.

If it's coming from the transfer case area then you probably have a broken transfer case oil pump that destroyed the shift forks. Don't think that's the problem since you say the noise is coming from the front.

I have <a href=http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-32132-1980-96-mile-marker-stainless-supreme-hub-conversion-kit.html>these</a href> hubs, really ain't been hard on them yet except for pulling a buddy's truck out. They seem to be of decent quality for the money spent.

 

It's the hubs alright, in my signature just below there is a link on how to replace them with manuals, amongst other things.

 

Ok thanks guys! When I replace the hubs do I have to replace the wheel barrens and seals too? Or just the hubs?

 

Just the hub lockers, but check my write-up, there is a lot of maintenance you can do while you're in there.

 

Sure I'd be interested. How much would you want for them Steve?