4WD clunking

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Dec 26, 2002 | 08:54 AM

Havran

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Wichta USA

4WD clunking

The other day I engaged my 4WD and I started to here an intermittent clunk from the front end. I brought the truck home and left it it 4WD and jacked up all four corners. I started the truck and all four wheels turned. When I slowed down and braked the front came out of 4WD. The front driveshaft continued to turn. I serviced the front hubs not to long ago and they appeared fine and 4WD worked ok until now. Is it time to deep six the auto hubs? This is a '96 F150.

Dec 26, 2002 | 10:14 AM

pbrstreetg

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 286

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From: Homestead, FL

4WD clunking

Hi-
I think what you said- ditch the auto hubs- is a good idea.
While you could fix them as they are, why bother. It could cost you even more. If you buy Warns they will be way better than any factory auto hub could wish and you'll never have to guess if your in 4x again.

Dec 26, 2002 | 11:54 AM

steve83

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,987

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From: Memphis, TN

4WD clunking

I agree. It doesn't matter how you baby autos - they can break anytime with no warning. I use MileMarkers HEAVILY with no problems and they're a little cheaper than Warns with the same LLT warranty.

Dec 26, 2002 | 09:35 PM

Starratt04

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 256

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From: St.Augustine Beach,Florida

4WD clunking

what you need is new hubs.i had the same problem on my ranger and some mechanic tried to tell me i need new axle or cv joints or something. but i know it was the hubs. just to make sure i when by 4 wheel parts and talked to the mechanic up there who worked for ford for 10 years and as soon as he heard it he said i need new hubs. next i went to ford to get new auto hubs. ford wanted to charge $635 for 2 new auto hubs i said forget that. so i went back to 4 wheel parts and i got 2 warn locking hubs with the install kit for $202. these hubs are way better than any auto hub. it was well worth the money.

Dec 26, 2002 | 11:03 PM

steve83

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,987

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From: Memphis, TN

4WD clunking

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 27-Dec-02 AT 00:04 AM (EST)]$202 would be a massive rip-off if it was for a 1/2-ton truck. A set of LLT hubs for a Bronco/F-150 shouldn't cost more than $100, but my MMs were only $60. The "install kit" (really just a set of bearing nuts) can be had for $12 plus a little shipping. The grand total for parts should be under $100.