BUY ADVICE 1999 XLT 4x4

[Jay11]

1999 XLT 4x4 off road 83k miles 4.0 supercab. Truck has been sitting under a tree since 2015 but cranked right up with a new battery.
Just checked out this truck, it drives/feels ok.
Transmission is smooth while driving but the only thing I noticed was when I change from D into R it makes a slight sound like it's slamming it in but just a little bit.
Second the case underneath it has slight oil wetness. It's not dripping but just slight wetness. Me thinks the rear main bearing is leaking.
Torque didn't return any CEL but for catalyst and evap system were both incomplete. Perhaps it's because it's been sitting idle since 2015 and still has old gas? Are these major issues at deal breaker level?

I have a STD cab xlt 1998 71k miles and I am comfortable with it. But this being a 4x4 are there issues associated with the 4x4 system? I intend for the truck to be a city truck, usual Lowes, HD, etc runs.

 

[adsm08]

Sounds like a worthwhile truck.

The 4x4 system in that year is one of the more problematic ones, but they are fixable. The PVH hubs are not great, but there are manual ones that can replace them, and the transfer case shift motors tend to get stuck, but that can be prevented by shifting it once a month or so.

 

[Jay11]

...and the transfer case shift motors tend to get stuck, but that can be prevented by shifting it once a month or so.

But if the truck is being driven that is not something to worry about, correct? Or are you talking about engaging the 4x4 once a month or so?
Any quick links you can share on folks working on the 4x4 system issues and the PVH hubs? Sorry am going to see this guy sometime tomorrow.

I tried moving from 4x4HI to LO while the truck was still in D but stopped. Even though the button was on 4x4LO it just stayed on 4x4HI. Later I stopped shifted to park, shifted to 4x4LO but only 4x4HI showed on display. Is this a sign there's an issue with the 4x4 system? or was it a mistake on my part to engage 4x4 with shift in D even though the truck was stopped?

EDIT
Do these issues pop up at certain mileages? If so roughly what about?

The 4x4 system in that year is one of the more problematic ones, but they are fixable.

From what years are known to be un-problematic?

 

[adsm08]

The transfer case shift motor is inactive unless you command it to shift into 4x4 with the switch on the dash. Doing that once a month or so to exercise it helps to avoid the issues those motors are prone to because the issues are caused by not using the motor.

From what you described about the lack of a 4-lo shift I'm not worried yet because you did it wrong. Trans has to be in neutral, foot on the brake.

The issues with the 4x4 system are more age related than mileage related, mostly old dried out vacuum seals and grease.

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This page has all sorts of info about the PVH system under the Locking Hubs category.

 

[Uncle Gump]

What engine is in it?

 

[Jay11]

Thanx. much appreciate the insights.

What's your take on the oil wetness under the tranny case?

It's a 4.0 motor.

 

[adsm08]

probably a rear main, looks pretty light though. Not sure I'd worry about it right away.