4X4 problem
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4X4 problem
Hey everyone I am trying to figure out what is going on with my front axle on my garage truck the 82 F 150. I put the truck in four wheel drive and turn the wheels in any direction while driving and one of the axles starts popping almost like a semi-automatic shotgun going off under the truck. I have changed out U-joints and I don't see any slack on the drive shafts of the axle or on the drive train. Has anyone else experienced this problem and if so what have you done to fix it. BTW it has a Dana 44 front axle I am not sure what is on the rear but I will do some more research and re-post that information if it is needed. If I haven't given enough information for a diagnosis please let me know what other information is needed and I will get it posted ASAP. Thanks to all who have any insight and are willing to help out with this annoying problem.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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that sounds like the u-joints on the axle shaft have gone bad. my understanding of what you wrote is that you changed the joints on the shaft between the transfer case and the differential, but haven't thought about the ones from differential to hub. those are your problem.
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From: Virginia
I hope you are not making sharp turns on dry pavement in 4x4. None of them will stand up to that. I think these AWD systems on these new SUV's are confusing people. You can't do it with the old time 4x4 systems except the old full-time transfer cases.
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Junior User
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that sounds like the u-joints on the axle shaft have gone bad. my understanding of what you wrote is that you changed the joints on the shaft between the transfer case and the differential, but haven't thought about the ones from differential to hub. those are your problem.
Last edited by BAMAFAN2169; Oct 1, 2012 at 11:42 AM. Reason: revision
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Georgia
Ok, so it only does it in 4WD, and you're driving on similar terrain? Both flat and level? Or are you in more uneven terrain when in 4WD?
Also, is it making the noise only at full steering lock or at any degree of turn?
Also, is it making the noise only at full steering lock or at any degree of turn?
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From: Virginia
I suppose since you were in that area, you would have noticed if the slip joint on the passenger side axle was sloppy. It was tight wasn't it? Those things like to wear if the boot is lost and it loses it's grease.
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It does it on flat terrain as well as rough terrain, and it doesn't have to go all the way left or right but atleast halfway.
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Junior User
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It does it whenever the transfer case is in 4X4 whether the hubs are locked or not.
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Junior User
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That's why I had to change out the u-joints to replace the slip yolk on the passenger side.
Elder User
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From: South Jersey
did you put it all back together correctly? did it act normal for a while after you fixed it and then go bad?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Georgia
I'd start by putting the front end on jack stands, transfer in neutral, hubs locked, and rotate the wheels by hand while turning them right and left and see if you can recreate the noise. If you can, have someone else rotate the wheels while you move along the axle to narrow down the noise location.