New Clunk this Morning with Hubs Engaged

[Son of a Gun]

Hey guys,
A few months ago whenever I engaged my locking hubs (1988 2.3 4x4) there would be a rattle in the front end whenever I went over 45mph. I made it through the winter without needing to engage the hubs all the time. Just using 4x4 when I really needed it. Well this morning, While on a snowy back road, I backed into a drive (steep) then pulled out. So now there is a clunk clunk while moving. (even if 4x4 is not engaged, or when the engine isn't revving even just rolling) Untill I disengage my locking hubs. No clunk or any problems if hubs aren't engaged. So I assume these are connected, one leading to the other. So what do you think I'm up against. Bad U-joints, CV joints? (I had replaced ball-joints this fall) What kind of a job might I be looking at and do you think I could muddle through it myself? What do ya all think

 

[RonD]

Could just be the front drive shaft u-joints, you can replace those without too much trouble.

But there are u-joints at each front wheel, and you need to remove the ball joints to change those, which is alot of work and ball joints need/should to be replaced at that time as well.
Picture of '88 front axles here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/dana_28_35.shtml

Ball joint how-to here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/balljoints2.shtml

Usually the lower ball joints wear out before axle u-joints so you replace the u-joints at that time, but I guess it could happen the other way around.

 

[4x4junkie]

You do not need to undo or replace the ball joints to get to the axle u-joints. However you do need to tear it down to just short of undoing the ball joints (removal of the spindles from the knuckles). Might as well check anything else that isn't new while you're at it (spindle needle bearings, new axle seals, grease the axle slip-yoke, etc.).

 

[RonD]

Oops, that's correct, ball joints can stay in place