4x4 Concerns

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Oct 7, 2009 | 08:32 PM

mtmatzf150xlt

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4x4 Concerns

I have a 1995 F-150 4x4, 157k. The truck is in really excellent condition for its mileage, but im having some front end 4x4 concerns...the front end will tend to cluck and pop when the wheel is turned hard or backing and braking in reverse. the noise is quiet loud and especially noticable when its wet or raining...i have changed pretty much the whole front end, all ball joints, i-beam bushings, tie rods, radius arm bushings and wheel bearings. the noise is coming from the front diff, but nothing visually wrong...when it happens you can see the diff side i-beam shift like the whole front diff is moving...the 4 wheel drive works flawlessly however in both low and high range....andy suggestions or tips?

Oct 7, 2009 | 08:57 PM

FireMe

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Joined: Nov 2008

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From: Northfield, MI

Check the large bolts that mount the radius arm to the TTB. You'll have to pull the spring to get to the top ones, but at least start with the lower ones. If these are loose, you will get a loud snap/pop that sounds like someone is hitting the frame with a hammer.

Also, pay close attention to the rivets that hold various components to the frame. They get loose over time and will allow components to shift under load. Cut them out and replace them with grade 8 bolts if they're loose.

Jay

Oct 7, 2009 | 09:06 PM

fordman1090

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From: Texas

Are you in 4x4 on pavement? the sounds you might be hearing could befrom the driveline if so. Especially when turning.

Because these truck are true 4x4 and dont have a center diff, the front and rear axle must turn at the same rate. But when you start turning the front want to turn faster. Be since the t-case wont let it, it will put alot of stress on the drive line. to the point of were something will give, and its often the traction of the tire, causing the tire to jump a small amount.

Good Luck.

Oct 7, 2009 | 09:10 PM

wolfsmurf

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do you have automatic hubs or manual lockers? sounds like you have a hub not unlocking correctly. i had the same problem. i have never looked closely at 95 150 but i am sure they have the same auto lockers as my old 84 had. if so you could try taking the hubs off and backing around the yard to see if the sound is still there. there is no danger of damaging anything with just the lockers off just dont go far or fast or the bearing grease will start leaking out. they come off really easy. take the 5 or 6 bolts,cant remember how many, out of the cover and there will be a flat rubber oring you have to remove, then there will be 2 metal rods about the size of a ballpoint pen ball sticking out in a tiny slot under the oring. squeeze those together and wiggle the hub assembly out. carefully drive a short distance slowly and see if you still hear the noise. fixed mine this way and had to buy a set of manuals and a kit for it. new auto lockers from ford were over 300 bucks, got the whole manual kit for 150. good luck.

Oct 7, 2009 | 09:12 PM

mtmatzf150xlt

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No man this happens all the time when in 4x2 and 4x4, only when its cut hard or i brake hard and alot of load is on the front end, especially bad when its wet it seems...

Oct 7, 2009 | 09:22 PM

Conanski

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Does the truck have auto or manual hub locks? Have you verified they both unlock correctly?

Oct 7, 2009 | 09:30 PM

mtmatzf150xlt

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My trucks got manual locking hubs, and this concern is all the time, not just when its in 4x4 or not, since its my daily driver im usally in 2wd, and the sound is still there, 4x4 or not. mainly backing and turning and heavy stops..