Has anyone had a problem with a rubbing noise coming from the front end when the wheels are all the way to the right or left when in 4WD? It feels like something is dragging when I do this. It only occurs at parking lot speeds and not in 2WD. The transfer case also makes a loud "clunk" when I shift into 4 Low. I brought it to the dealer today and they told me it was something normal called "axel wind up" and showed me a printout from Ford saying owners should be directed to the Four Wheeling Guide. There's nothing in there that mentions this. This does not seem "normal" to me and I can't recall the truck doing this before now.

Oh yeah, they serviced the transfer case and charged me $60. Isn't this alot for just a fluid change?

'98 F150 XLT Supercab 4X4 in silver metallic

 

badchek
I'd have to agree with the dealer in this case. I have had 5 new f-150's 4x4 + drive suburban company truck 4x4. All would horse you around at low speed & tight turning. I think it's a front axle u-joint angle thing.

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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF

 

Redlariet is close to the solution. Our 4x4 trucks have a non-differentiated transfer case -- which means that the front and rear driveshafts are gear-locked together -- which means that the average of the front wheels' speed is mechanically forced to equal that of the average of the rear wheels' -- and since, when turning, the average of the front wheels is not the same as the average of the rear wheels -- there is scrubbing, and axle wind-up, and u-joing wind-up etc..

Now, in English, that simply means that when turning, the front wheels (left plus right; total divided by two) try to turn at a different speed than the same calculation for the rear wheels -- and since there is no differential in the transfer case -- you get some wheel slip on whatever tire (which is not predictible) has the poorest traction.

In an "all-wheel-drive" vehicle, there is a differential in the front end, rear end AND the transfer case -- however, in this last scenario, if you were to lift one wheel -- you wouldn't move, since all the differentials would be 'differentiating' and sending the rotation to that one wheel with no traction.

By putting limited slip in your rear-end -- you've reduced the likelihood of such a one-wheel-up slip -- and by locking the transfer case so that the front and rear drive shafts MUST turn together, you ensure that at least both the front and the rear axle have torque.

Long answer to a short question -- hope it was clear and useful.

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Y2K™ Jim - N8JG@Hotmail.com

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

Hey thanks guys... At least I know I won't have to bring it back to the dealer again. I see what you mean about the differential. Thanks for the info.

 

Y2K7700
It's been a while since I had manuel hubs but as I recall, if turned in, they would jerk you around some with the transfer case in 2H.
It wasn't as bad as 4x4, though.

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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF

 

Thanks for the info. I was kinda concerned because it seems as though the truck is actually working against itself when the wheels are turned all the way. There is a definite hesitation and you have to give it more gas just to make the truck move. I don't recall it doing this before now. But, I see that it could be just normal.

 

I had a noise like you are describing in my 94 4x4. I discovered that the rubber spacers that mount to the bracket from the frame were worn, and that would let the tires rub against the frame causing the tread of the tire to make a grinding noise.

Joe

 

Yeah, that was one of the first things I checked was to see if the tires were rubbing on something. No go. The mounts shouldn't be worn, I only have 41K on it. I'll keep it in mind though.