I have a 1997 F-250 HD ext.cab 4x4 with the powerstroke. This past Saturday I had 3 of the 4 ball joints replaced in my truck and all seemed well. Today when I locked the hubs and put it in 4 high I noticed immediately that there was something wrong. When I turned the wheel about a third of the way I sounded like the fron end was coming apart. Theres nothing worse than hearing metal on metal grinding and binding. I immediately shifted out of 4 high back to 2 high. It felt like it didn't want to come out of 4 high, but it did after rolling a few feet. My question is this: what portion(s) of my 4 wheel drive system would have been removed, or altered during the replacement of my ball joints? I'm taking the truck back tomorrow and would like to have some idea as to what they may have done that is causing this. Prior to the work being done the 4 wheel drive system work perfect. Thanks for anyand all input.

 

I should probably also include that this truck is the old body style with manual hubs.

 

Front axles....U joints and why the heck replace just 3 when you have it apart.....They should have done all 4 unless it was new.

 

i wonder if they put the snap ring back on behind the manual hub that holds the axle?front axle u-joints?did they grease the new ball joints.maybe they had to use a torch to remove one of the ball joint nuts and got one of the axle u-joints to hot.just a few suggestions.