I've noticed this winter season that when in 4 high and over about 30 MPH I am getting a low growl from the front end. I'm assuming this isn't normal. Well this week at a low speed, I developed a clunk now and then. What are some of the common issues that I should check before I worry that I just lost my 4 wheel drive?

Thanks!!!!

did you check the fluid level in the front diff and more important the t-case?

I haven't since this came up..... I will check that immediately!

it could be a pump rub problem or the filter is pluged in the t-case and you will find the lube will be black if there is any.

i have a similar problem, only when I'm turning. Makes me think it's the front diff. When I'm at the track and I let out of 4wd, it clunks and clicks while turning like it hasn't disengaged.
Today I did pump rub fix and cleaned that filter, added 3 quarts of 5w-30, and changed tranny fluid and filters, immediately after it still clunked while turning.
Should I give it some more use, or dig into the front diff. I will check fluid level in front diff. tommorrow and add/change if needed.
What about cv axles, could these cause same symptoms?
Thanks ahead.

it could be a pump rub problem or the filter is pluged in the t-case and you will find the lube will be black if there is any.

Just curious where is there a filter in the TCase? I had no idea and how/when is it supposed to be changed?

Just curious where is there a filter in the TCase? I had no idea and how/when is it supposed to be changed?
Not one to be "changed" so to speak, but there's a tube connected to the pump that follows down to the "filter" above a magnet.

I had a similar situation and decided to change the front diff oil today and found about a qt low. But now it wont accept more than 1 1/2 qts before coming out of the fill plug. I live in a hilly subdivision and nothing even close to level surface so I had to make due and got it as close as possible. No matter what position I put the truck in I could not put more oil in the front diff. Any ideas as to what may be causing this? I read in another thread that the front diff would take almost 3 qts before it would begin to drain out. Thanks.

Not one to be "changed" so to speak, but there's a tube connected to the pump that follows down to the "filter" above a magnet.
Oh I see. Thought you meant something else.

any info on the clunk when steering would help i have replaced both bearing pitman arm idler arm installed fabtech tierods, uppper lower ball joints every thing new in front end except cv joints thought this might be it.Annoying especially everthing been replaced

any info on the clunk when steering would help i have replaced both bearing pitman arm idler arm installed fabtech tierods, uppper lower ball joints every thing new in front end except cv joints thought this might be it.Annoying especially everthing been replaced
intermediate steering shaft, there is a new shaft available, some having problems with it. Some also say it is the white grommet thingy directly under dash that surrounds the sterring shaft.
Do a search on steering shaft.
I installed a grease zerk on mine and the clunk has just now came back after 15k miles, much cheaper than replacing the shaft.

steeing shaft was replaced 30000 kms ago

any info on the clunk when steering would help i have replaced both bearing pitman arm idler arm installed fabtech tierods, uppper lower ball joints every thing new in front end except cv joints thought this might be it.Annoying especially everthing been replaced
my fault, I forgot this was while in 4wd like mine.

any info on the clunk when steering would help i have replaced both bearing pitman arm idler arm installed fabtech tierods, uppper lower ball joints every thing new in front end except cv joints thought this might be it.Annoying especially everthing been replaced

I have a 2004 2500HD gas that does this same clunk. It happens when I turn or when i load it up driving through heavy snow. Still trying to find the problem. I have changed both CV axls out and didn't solve it. The mechanic I know around town who doesn't deal with this much thinks it is something in the transfer case. Anyone know the solution to this? the one I have is a manual shift 4wd. I can't shift to 4h in motion with out grinding either. have to stop to do it.

i had the same problem when i was running different sized tires.
can not run a 30" front and a 35"rear.
the gearing is out of wack

replaced the axles, it's so quiet now!

I had a similar situation and decided to change the front diff oil today and found about a qt low. But now it wont accept more than 1 1/2 qts before coming out of the fill plug. I live in a hilly subdivision and nothing even close to level surface so I had to make due and got it as close as possible. No matter what position I put the truck in I could not put more oil in the front diff. Any ideas as to what may be causing this? I read in another thread that the front diff would take almost 3 qts before it would begin to drain out. Thanks.


Did you take it out and drive around in 4 wheel before draining it? If it's cold it could be that it's not draining because it's too thick. Mine did this too, I just put in what I could, drove it around for 15 min and it drained much better.