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'92 explorer 4x4 auto hubs & automatic transmission

There was a front end roar/vibration that started at about 60mph got worse up to 65mph and then smoothed out above 70mph.
I adjusted the wheel bearings and the noise was gone.
Then, I put it into 4WD and started backing up and the where three loud jarring bangs from the front of the truck.
since then the roar and vibration is back.
Any suggestions to the cause and fix for this?
Thanks.
Ragnar

 

Can you feel the vibration through the steering wheel? Could be alignment if it's through the wheel, of it not, could be that your tires need to be re-balanced.

 

When the noise and vibration first started I checked the tires (they were bad) replaced them and had an alignment done it was after that that I got off my duff and adjusted the bearings.

you can feel the vibration in the steering wheel, its a very subtle vibration but loud.
when people first hear it they think its loud tires.
The vibration/noise does not change with engine rpm or even if put in neutral.
The noise does get quieter when turning to the right and a little louder turning left.
The power steering pump has been replaced, no change in noise
The only thing that stopped the noise so far was adjusting the wheel bearings.
but when it gets put into 4wd there is some hard banging that sounds like speeding over pot holes.
and then the noise is back

 

Sounds like the hubs are having issues.

The banging could be the hubs not engaging properly, and the noise is the mechanism grinding against itself. When you service the wheel bearings you are probably resetting the hub so it doesn't make noise, but the 4x4 tries to engage it and not work properly.

Chris

 

makes sense chris.
Would that mean that I need to replace the plastic/spring cam assembly? Or something else?