1979 f 150 Took it out in the snow yesterday and heard a loud pop coming from the drivers side front that could be felt in the steering wheel 20 50 yards further pop again unlocked the hubs and no more pop. bad hub?

 

wanted to add this happened while going straight

 

Have you checked out the u joint on the axle shaft on that side? Back many years ago you could check out a closed knuckle axle by turning all the way one direction and slowly back up and if the ***** in there were warn out you would hear a loud popping noise.

 

I'd break the hub down and see what if any carnage you find inside.

 

Its a heat wave here in Michigan 30 degrees! so I went out and jacked it up, universal joint looks fine, hub locks and unlocks. From there I don't know how to do any other inspections that doesn't require tearing into it. I did find a bad tie rod end on that side don't know if this could be the problem, it doesn't do it in 2 wheel drive.
Thanks John