Noise / clunk / skip in 4x4 High

[turbotaguy]

In 2wd my 04 Ranger is great - no problems. When I switch to 4x4 it engages fine - no problems. If I drive in 4x4 for a while it clunks (loudly like you are hitting a pot hole) periodically then is fine for a bit, then clunks again, then fine.

 

[pillen140]

sounds like cv's but with previous problems with transfer case

 

[99RangerOffRoad]

As long as it is a 1354e replace away

 

[Boggin]

most likely CV joints, happened on my quad like you are describing when in 4x4 and every now and then it was a big clunk and it was usually as the suspension travels up and down but while turning too and sometimes even going straight. ive been driving my quad like it now for a year or more and she havent fallen apart lol but it could be a complete different story with your ranger. something to look into though

 

[gw33gp]

I had a similar problem when my Ranger was still under warranty. If I accelerated hard in 4WD on a hard surface it would jerk like it was skipping the drive chain on a sprocket. A Ford dealer replaced the chain under warranty and told me it was fixed. I picked up the truck and took it for a test drive. it was not fixed. I immediately turned around and took it back to the dealer.

I told them I wanted a new transfer case. Ford authorized a new transfer case and the problem was solved. I never did find out what the actual problem was with the transfer case but there are things that can go wrong in there and give that symptom other than the drive chain.

 

[turbotaguy]

I thought about the CV joints.

 

[turbotaguy]

BTW - you guys are QUICK...multiple responses within the hour, I love it.

 

[Boggin]

Where are you located? I have one but not interested in shipping it

 

[turbotaguy]

Outside

 

[railman]

If I accelerated hard in 4WD on a hard surface it would jerk like it was skipping the drive chain on a sprocket. .

you should never drive a Ranger on a hard DRY surface in 4WD,,,Rangers have a part time case, therefore on hard surfaces you will get driveline bind and can make the chain stretch and jump a tooth...

only the Explorers/Mountainers have the fulltime case with the center diff that allow fulltime 4WD....

take your Ranger onto some loose gravel or grass somewhere and put it in 4WD and make a sharp turn left or right...if you here the popping sound from up front it could be a CV...but more than likely the chain is stretched and ya need to swap transfer cases...

l8r, John

 

[gw33gp]

you should never drive a Ranger on a hard DRY surface in 4WD,,,Rangers have a part time case, therefore on hard surfaces you will get driveline bind and can make the chain stretch and jump a tooth...

That only happens if you turn a corner on a hard dry surface. Driving a Ranger in a straight line on a hard dry surface will not bind the drive-line unless the tires are not the same size.

 

[turbotaguy]

Are you guys sure that any 1354 electric will work?

 

[turbotaguy]

Ok, I got my hands on a used 1354 transfer case and installed it today.

 

[cwb90]

Please help turbotaguy! I have the exact same problem on my 2005 Ranger 4x4. I bought it used with 23,000 miles on it and it doing the same thing. I have had it on a lift and it does not do it but when its on the road the banging begins. Please help. I took it to the dealer and tranny shop and they are clueless.
cwb90

 

[Nhaz]

CV joints when they are starting to wear out will start to make clunking/grinding noises while you are in a full turn right or left(try both) they need to be under power as well.

If they are binding up and going clunk while in a straight line thats not good. thats probably a joint about to go to pieces, this is assuming of course that its the joints actually making this noise.

Another way to check for severely worn CV joints is to jack a tire off the ground and put your hand on the shaft and then move the wheel. if you can feel ANY play between the wheel turning and the shaft turning(you move the wheel and the shaft only moves after the wheel as moved 1/4 inch or less) then that joint is Done.