4 Wheel Drive - Front end popping

[BSouders80]

With the cold weather and snow, I've used the 4 wheel drive more in the last week than I have in the last 2 years. When in 4H, I sometimes hear a popping noise coming from the front end. Sounds more like the passenger side as compared to the passenger side. Example: Had a 8' x 10' trailer behind my truck (empty - headed to cut a load of wood) and I had a slight hill to get up and over. Kicked in the 4 wheel drive from a stop and started after it, slow and steady. I started to slide so I got on it a little. We're talking like 10 mph. 4 wheel drive engaged fine and I got to where I needed to go. In the getting up the hill, I heard it pop a few times.

I plan to get it looked at, but would like input on where to start first. IWE's have not ever been replaced. Sitting at around 105K. Ball Joints, UCA's, Tie rod's are all good. I'd say maybe 5K on those. In my mind, front differential, CV shafts, IWE's, but what else?

Thanks.

Brian

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

rookie. you should know this by now. its either a vacuum leak or a bad axle.... or both.

 

[BSouders80]

Haha. Yeah I know. I don't think it's vacuum becuase it does go into 4wd without issue. I'll pull the CV's and check them out first. Just getting a little input on what I might not be thinking of. Realistically, it can only be a few things. Thanks man.

 

[MTF]

Transfer case is an electric actuator, the two IWE are vacuum.
When giving gas, vacuum decreases and what you're describing is noise when gas is applied.
So, somewhere you have a small leak, vacuum test is in order, just my two cents.
Otherwise IWE are damaged or at least on their way out (not enough plastic teeth left/worn down)