4 wheel drive problem

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Apr 23, 2000 | 09:55 PM

Beeawtch

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4 wheel drive problem

There is something very wrong with my front axle. When engaged it will work fine for about 10 feet then a HUGE clang will be heard and the front end will no longer pull. It has gotten me stuck several times. I've rebuilt the the transfer case( np208 ), and have had two sets of hubs on it. Is it possibly the lack of a crossmember for the transfer case? ( mine was taken off or broken by the last owner ) I'm planning on replacing the TTB w/ a strait axle using leaf springs and I can't have the vehicle torn apart for more than a couple of days or my neighbors complain to the city and the cops show up with a summons for court. Both drive shafts have also been rebuilt. I've been told so many different possiblities for the problem I can't tell the remedies from the B.S.

Apr 24, 2000 | 09:30 AM

PAUL_2

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4 wheel drive problem

What model and year is your truck ? What led to the rebuilding of the transfer case ? Are the front axles Ok ? What front end ? Manual or auto locking hubs ? Have you checked to make sure the front ring and pinion gears are Ok ? Give us some more details so we can possibly help you out ?
Paul

Apr 25, 2000 | 01:07 AM

Beeawtch

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4 wheel drive problem

'81 model, new u-joints put on recently, outer stub shafts fine shape, manual hubs, can't pull front end apart more than once or I'll be sued by the city Gov't and they will confiscate my truck. ( Facist neighbors whom happen to sit on city council ) There is a city ordinance stating that any serious rebuild or overhaul of vehicle must be in a garage or enclosed area out of sight of the public. ( Eyesores )
The inner shaft on the passenger side appears OK, no loosness, no leaking. If it is the gears it must be side gears or pinion shaft because I can see the ring gear through the fill hole.No visual damage.
If you think the city rules are draconian, listen to this. They are making me move my dad's 78 F-250 from out of my own driveway, saying it is a safety hazard and blocks traffic. The nerve!!!

Apr 25, 2000 | 05:32 AM

Torky

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4 wheel drive problem

Maybe if you were working on some sort of nice pedal powered Eco-bike, then maybe your town just might tolerate it!
Just curious, what happens if you keep transfer case in 2wd, and lock the hubs? Will the front wheels drive through the front diff and spin front driveshaft OK, no clang?

Apr 25, 2000 | 03:34 PM

Nathan

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4 wheel drive problem

Dude, "MOVE"!! This is America, you know!!

Nathan

Apr 25, 2000 | 10:11 PM

Beeawtch

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4 wheel drive problem

Man, if I could afford to move I would !!!!!!!!!!!!

Apr 25, 2000 | 10:30 PM

Beeawtch

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4 wheel drive problem

I can't be sure, but I think it only happens when under a load from the engine or when on incline. The sound is comparable to hitting the front diff. with a sledgehammer and it actually makes the truck shudder. My best guess is the side gears are broke, bearing retainers are broke or the whole carrier itself bad.
The previous owner used to junp the truck out of creek beds and over small hills. I didn't find out about this until I had sunk alot of dough into a new body and paint. ( I mean the whole truck, other than the cab which was repaired, has either new or remanufactured body parts.)
Oh, by the way, where is the cheapest place to get my NP435 rebuilt? Third and fourth gear scream and rattle.