Why my 4 wheel drive cluncks when engaged?

MPPORTER01

MEMBER
2001 DODGE RAM
150 MILES

I have a clunking sound in the front of my truck when the 4x4 is engaged. The noise goes away when I turn, but when going straight is there. Sounds as if gears are slipping, but I have just replaced both sealed bearings, inner seals, u-joinds, and actuator. The only thing now replaced in the front end is the tie-rod ends and ball joints.

3 Replies

DRCRANKNWRENCH1

MECHANIC
3,435 POSTS

The front differentail, front axles or front transfer shaft may be loose. The shaft and axles would need u-joints or CV joints and the differentail woul dneed to be rebuilt if it is loose. It is more likely that a u-joint or CV joint is bad.

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Sunday, March 4th, 2012 AT 11:48 PM

MPPORTER01

MEMBER
1 POST

As I said though, the u-joints are new. All I need to replace is ball joints and tie-rod ends. Everything is tight. Is the actuator ring supposed to be followed or precieded with a washer? My thought is maybe something in the transfer case, but that only makes sense if I don't turn. Is there anything else that could cause this problem only while steering straight?

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Sunday, March 4th, 2012 AT 11:58 PM

DRCRANKNWRENCH1

MECHANIC
3,435 POSTS

Since ti is changing with steering I think it could be differential. I would have a transmission shop look at it. Tranmission shops are better equipped for differential work.

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Monday, March 5th, 2012 AT 2:22 AM