2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 clunking in 4wd

[vitalka89]

Hey guys,
I have this clunking problem I have been trying to figure out for a while and can't seem to get to the bottom of it. When I go into 4wd mode I get a loud clunking noise. It only does this when it is under load, when I lift all 4 off the ground and put it in 4wd I don't get the clunking, when it is on the ground driving in 4wd I get that noise. I posted a video of the noise, click the link to here it. I really hope somebody can help me out with this.

Video: http://youtu.be/EmOMgofKvm0

 

[mitch4x4]

That sounds like a u joint waiting to go flying off.

 

[vitalka89]

That sounds like a u joint waiting to go flying off.

Is there an easy way to diagnose the ujoints to see if that is the problem? I kind of had a feeling that it might be that but not sure how to diagnose those.

 

[mitch4x4]

Well If they are that bad you can probably lay under the truck and grab a hold of the drive shaft and try to twist it. You shouldn't get any slop in the joints. Same goes for the front axle. I am willing to bet they are the original joints, unless the truck was used heavily.

 

[vitalka89]

Hey guys, I think I found the problem and was hoping for a second opinion before I tear it up (this is my daily driver so don't want to take it apart until I know what it is). I was under the truck checking out my u-joints and noticed there was a CV joint at the end of the front driveshaft where it goes into the t-case. When you yank on the shaft it moves around and dings inside the CV joint. I assumed the bearing inside there was shot and I think I need to replace that CV joint. Does this sound about right? I made a video of what I noticed, let me know what you think.

Video: http://youtu.be/HtGoMT5i1aE

 

[mitch4x4]

Yeah that is defiantly your problem.

 

[94DangerRanger]

How did you fix this? This is exactly what mine is doing. The videos are awesome. BTW

 

[vitalka89]

Thanks man. The clunking on my truck was caused by the cv boot on the end of the driveline that goes into the transfer case from the front differential. The boot had a hole in it. I guess the previous owner hit or drove over something that caught the boot and cut it. When I took it all off there was no grease in the bearing, looked like just bunch of mud in there, a result of the grease getting mixed up with dirt. I hope this helps.

 

[94DangerRanger]

Thx for the reply. What did you replace? Or did you just grease it?

 

[vitalka89]

I changed the front driveline on mine. I got a good deal on one. You can buy a CV joint repair kit from a local parts store to replace the bearing and necessary pieces.

 

[94DangerRanger]

Thanks a bunch man, I appreciate it.