1998 Ford Explorer aweful noise coming from front end

1998 FORD EXPLORER
105,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHINOCHUMP
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Hey Guys! My name is Jerry Cisneros. I own a 98 Explorer XLT 4X4. My mileage is around 105,000. I am asking a question about possibe 4X4 problems. My girlfriend was driving my truck one day and when she returned she asked me, "why is the explorer making funny noises?". I thought she may have hit something, you know. ha ha Anyhow, i got in, and when i took off, i was shocked at what i heard. It is almost like a hard grinding noise coming from the front differential, or at least it seems that was where it is coming from. Now, I had realized that I DID take off more agressive than usual, but not bad. So, i went to a nearby parking lot. I stuck her in 4WD and it started to grind very badly. Thing is, i have never had a 4WD before this one, much less work on one. I am not sure if this is something that can be fixed at home, or do you reccomend this gets the attetntion of a shop?
Oct 12, 2008 at 7:03 PM
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BMRFIXIT
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I would suspect 4x4 automatic hubs
jack and support the truck remove front tires hubs should slide out
install tires with out the hubs try to drive with out them to be sure and check

Oct 12, 2008 at 7:52 PM
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CHINOCHUMP
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Thanks for that advice. Do you thnik that i will need any specialized tools? Thanks gain!!
Oct 12, 2008 at 9:07 PM
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BMRFIXIT
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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No special tools needed
use the jack and tire iron
Oct 13, 2008 at 6:39 AM
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