PLEASE HELP!!! ive searched for hours. passenger side grinds when in 4wd

[8lugs8feet]

ok ive had this problem since i got the truck but since i dont use my 4wd as much as i want to it hasnt bothered me but now i need to find a solution... first my vac pump must be out cause the switch doesnt lock my hubs i have to turn them manually. but thats not the issue. when i engage it the passenger side wheel grinds and pops the whole time it is engaged. i pulled the locking hub out and when i shake it it sounds like there are some parts rattling around. also the shaft that comes out of the axle can be shaken up and down and side to side.... what is the specific part(s) that could be broke? the wheel still spins and makes no noise when unlocked and drives fine when in 2wd. please help. please please please

[Navy Diver 5342]

I am having issues with my 4x4 as well. I replaces my vacuum pump and selonoid next to it. Sounds like you might have some issues with the seals on the axle. take a flashlight and see if the axle dust seal is there, if not check your oil in the front to make sure it does have oil, you can take everything apart up to the axle and check each part out. Lock the hub and see if it locks, then unlocks, check our hoses from the hub to the frame connection. You could have some relay problems and I am trying to locate them, myself.

[8lugs8feet]

thank you. im not worried about the auto part working. i prefer to lock my hubs manually anyways. what has me concerned is the movement i get out of the shaft that the locker hub slides on to. it moves up and down. but the other one does not

[cghoerichs]

It depends on how much play you have in the spindle. If you can move it a lot you could have bearing issues but grinding and popping noises when in 4x4 can also just be a broken hub. Does 4x4 work when you put it in manually?

[powerstrokekz]

If the axle is moving inside the spindle or behind the hubb its a very good possibility that the U joint is bad an that will cause the knocking, clicking and grinding. If the U joint is completely gone then it may be to late for for the back bearing in the hub, and that to can lead to a whole lott of noise and vibration.