Had to really use 4WD yesteday. The front end is kind of noisy when accelerating. Is this normal? Thanks.

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White 97 XLT SC 4.6, 4X4, 3.55ls, tow pkg, long bed, Rhino liner, Owens running boards

 

Some noise is normal.

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97 F-150 SC Lariat, Styleside, White over Gold, 4.6L (Windsor), Automatic, 3.55 rear end, electronic 4X4, w/ every option of Lariat and ORP packages except the 17" wheels (I even got the OR decals now!), MOD's so far: K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TSC 600 hard cover, Bridgestone Dueler OWL ATP 265/75 R-16's, TrailMaster Invader N7 shocks, Smittybilt step bars, Ford moulded mud guards, "White-white" head lamps, Cloud Rider Design's SS Grill and bumper opening "Summer Grill's", Bosch platinum + 4's.

 

moveover,
I just took my truck in for an axle wind up noise while in 4lo there is a tsb out for this which states it as normal noise. The dealer showed me the tsb and assured me that is was normal and that there are no damageing affects from this. The article states it may be heard in 4hi or 4lo. Mine was only heard on acceleration in 4lo.

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1999 F-150 4X4 Super cab lariat, 5.4, 3.73 gears,deepwedgewood blue,
and all the options, build date 3/1/99,2000 engine 9/29/99

 

Moreover
Do you have the swich on the dash, or the shift on the floor?
how do you describe the noise, is it a windy or a rumbeling noise? Is the noise comming from the front, or from around the transmission?
This is my 6th 4wd, and some of them were a lot louder than my F-150. The only one that was real quiet was a 1976 cj-7 with a 304V8. Just remember you are using your transfer case, and the front and rear axles, so you will hear some extra gear noise.

 

Thanks for the replies. 4WD switch is on the dash. Noise sounds like gears in the front (transfer case?). Maybe because I don't use it much. Might be normal

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White 97 XLT SC 4.6, 4X4, 3.55ls, door cracks, tow pkg, long bed, Rhino liner, Owens running boards

 

I have the same drive train as yours and I don't have the noise at 45,000 miles. I do however engage the 4x4 every month or so to lubricate the diff and bearings.

 

I do that too. Its a good idea. Every month like clock work. Go all the way through 4H and 4L and back up as I go down my gravel drive way (100 yards).

However a little noise from hearing the front drive shafts turning right underneath you would be normal. A lot would not. I'll put it this way, I hear a very low rumble almost inaudable but there none the less. Can't describe it but have always heard this in every 4X4 I have owned or been in.

 

Some noise is normal. I tend to hear a gear case sound. Louder in 4Low and even more so when driving thru soft sand. Have yet to be in a 4x4 where the sound didn't change when you are in 4wd.