Ticking noise when in 4x4

[malgeo]

I've got a '94 Ranger 4x4 (4L V6). I popped off the front driver side wheel the other day to check my brake pads. After I put the wheel back on, I took it for a quick drive around the block to make sure it was ok. I even went down the back alley (gravel) and tested the 4x4. It worked no problem. This morning when I pulled into the parking lot at work, I heard and felt clicking coming from the front of the truck. I pulled in to the driveway slowly and listened to it. It only made the noise when I turned left. This all happened in 2wd.

I cautiously drove it home today and tested the 4wd in the back alley. The 4wd is definately engaging, but it makes the clicking noise even while driving straight on gravel. I say it's a clicking noise, but it's bordering on grinding. The 4wd worked prefectly just a couple weeks ago.

So I figure I put something back together wrong. I can't figure it out. All I did was remove the wheel and put it back on. Does anybody have any ideas what it could be?

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[93splasher]

well by the sounds off it if it is clicking in 2wd something isnt disengaging completly when you are taking it outta 4wd is it manula locking hubs or auto? i would take the wheel off again and try putting it back together and try it again maybe a piece of dirt or something got lodged in there

 

[feellnfroggy]

Unless he changed something its most likely auto hubs. And the clicking is the hub not disengaging completely. Its letting go just enough where the 3 teeth int he hub are making contact but not enough to stay locked in, I would take the hub and let it sit in some diesel or kerosene to loosen up the old packed in grease from the factory, clean it out as best as you can. And then relube with ATF or 4x4 wheel bearing grease. (not too much.

 

[malgeo]

Thanks for the replies. The hubs are auto btw. It turned out to be simple, when I put the wheel back on, the hub didn't align exactly and there was a small gap where the gears should be making contact. I pulled the wheel off and got the hub aligned correctly and all is good now.

I'm really happy, this truck has been an absolute champ for me.

Thanks again for your responses.

 

[PKMX]

Would like to thank you guys for this post. My truck is making similar sounds when in 2wd almost fine when in 4x4 aside from a click every 4 miles or so. Was looking to put jeep hubs on it. But I'm going to try and take the assembly apart as OP had done. Hope it's as simple.

Thanks again!