I've been having some issues with my trucks 4 wheel drive system...here's what happens:

It engages fine. Soon after, a kind of high pitched screetching sound comes from somewhere in the front driver's side (?) area. As I speed up, the sound "speeds up" (It is kind of rhythmic; loud, not so loud, loud, not so loud, etc etc), when I slow down the sound slows down.

Im not sure if the 4x4 is truly engaging but I will assume it is because I can hear it clicking.

After I take it out of 4x4, it still makes the noise for a distance (Haven't really pegged a distance because I don't want to do this too much...)

I've talked to a few people and one of them said it could be a cracked CV boot?
Any other ideas?
That sounds like the best bet to me, because if it was the differential it would stop after I disengage 4x4 (right?)
So it has to be something with the front axles...hopefully someone can narrow it down for me though.
Thanks

 

I have been inside and out of the front drivetrain, as I rebuilt mine enitrely replacing every part myself. After knowing exactly how it is put together and how it works, I would tell you that your problem is most likely with the trnsfer case and not with the front end. If it is definalty coming from your front end, it is most likely in the output shaft. There are several washers and bearing sets inside the output shaft tube that the shaft rides on. If it is singing that may be a good place to look next. It only runs about 140 bucks at the delaership, but they can be a booger to find for that year. They do not produce them anymore and there are no aftermarket manufacter's offering them as of yet. To pull it and check it probably would take you by yourself anout 3 to 4 hours. If you decide to do so, just check for any visual wear on the shaft and make sure it tracks correctly inside the tube.If by the odd chance thats not it, it is definatly in your differential. CV axle is unlikely, I have never heard of them whining, just clicking when they get dry from a torn boot.

 

I am 95% sure that it is coming from the front end and not the transfer case.

As much as I would like to tackle this myself it sounds like I will have to take it to a stealership because I don't really have the tools/time/know-how to tackle this myself :\

 

Oh man, dont take it to the dealership. WOW. They will rip your freakin lips off on the price.Take it to a 4x4 shop or someone who specializes in differential work. Youll get it done at probablly half the cost. Also, if there is internal work that needs to be done in the diff, consider any work that you might want to do in the future, like changing gears etc. get it done now while they are in there. Just remember that the front and back gears have to match unless you can keep it out of 4wd until you get the back done.

 

well i was out at the river again today because I wanted to try and be more specific on the location and the sound...but of course it works perfectly fine today.

Thanks for the advice on going to a 4x4 shop...just have to see if I can find (a reputable) one.

And I don't think I will be changing gears, that'd be waaay too much.