front end clanking

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Apr 12, 2010 | 08:33 PM

ross331

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front end clanking

i have a 90 f150 4x4 with a 5sp manual and auto hubs. the other day i was out and had it in 4 low and everything was and still is working fine. my problem is when i shift it back into 2x4, when i get up over 30-35mph it starts making a clanking sound kinda like when you put it in 4x4 and its not quite locked in. i tried shifting from hi to lo and backing up a bit, but its still doing it. any suggestions on where to start?

Apr 13, 2010 | 07:24 AM

RippedF350

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From: Chagrin Falls, Ohio

it always helps to lift up your front end and check everything, just start off by greasing everything and trying to move your wheels in all angles.

also, some day, you may want to think about replacing those auto hubs, they will put you right into a ditch in the wrong conditions.

Apr 13, 2010 | 04:36 PM

ross331

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any specific place to check? i am hoping its not something internal

Apr 13, 2010 | 06:20 PM

ross331

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alright i think i have it narrowed down to maybe the auto hubs. when i drive in 4 high it doesnt make any clanking noise, when i turn sometimes in 2 high its jumps kinda like when in 4x4. is there any rebuild kits for those hubs, i cant afford to put on manuals right now.

Apr 14, 2010 | 07:56 AM

RippedF350

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ross331

I'm not sure, but when you have some time, look at this website

Fast Parts Network, LLC

Apr 14, 2010 | 09:13 AM

San Antonio 78

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You could disassemble the hubs and check for anything out of place, just to make them work until you can afford the hubs you want. when my auto hubs failed my hub locking nut loosened to the point where the only thing keeping the wheel on the spindle was the brake caliper. I would not invest too much money in them, as the autos got me stuck many times before I finally bit the bullet.

Apr 14, 2010 | 11:11 AM

andym

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From: Bonita Springs FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by ross331

alright i think i have it narrowed down to maybe the auto hubs. when i drive in 4 high it doesnt make any clanking noise, when i turn sometimes in 2 high its jumps kinda like when in 4x4. is there any rebuild kits for those hubs, i cant afford to put on manuals right now.

You're damaging your drivetrain. The truck is still in 4x4 and when you turn you're forcing the front and rear driveshafts to spin at different speeds, something the transfer case is not designed to allow. If you do it enough something is going to break. If you're lucky it will be a u-joint.

If the hubs won't disengage, they're junk. There isn't a rebuild kit that I'm aware of and replacement auto hubs are super expensive. If you have to, find a set of manual lockouts in a junkyard.