4hi to 2hi problems, horrible clunk, wont engage

[foxmx217]

hey there i have a 97 ranger automatic with the dial type drive train selector. i got stuck the other day in a drift, and i was spinning, so i put it into 4 low, and tried to free it up, kept spinning. the truck died a few times and i had to restart it, then a friend pulled me out, and now when i try to go from 4hi to 2hi i got this bad clunking noise which i believe is coming from the front. the 2 wheel wont engage, so i have to pull over and back up then pull forward to get back into 2wheel. this has never happened before and ive gotten used to the clunks associated with going from 2 to 4 wheel drive, but this is a much worse clunk and sometimes there is also a whizzing noise, almost like a grinding sound. anyone have any ideas?

 

[BlackBII]

Do you have Auto hubs?
You may have a hub blow
Or your transfer case could be low on fluid... Just some things to check

 

[foxmx217]

auto hubs

 

[foxmx217]

hey sorry to bring this back up but a mechanic friend of mine said it may be vacuum lines. do vac. lines control any aspect of the 4WD?

 

[metalmacguyver]

on the 1998-2000 4x4 rangers they do. but not on your 1997.