vibration and front end noise

[NoRalPh]

With the hubs UnLocked (and here you might want to jack-up each side to verify they ARE unlocked by rotating the tire and seeing the Ft driveshaft doesn't turn, 'cause sometimes they "stick") and the transfer case in 2WD, the driveshaft should Not be turning (even if it was there would be no load on it and I wouldn't think it could make much noise)

If you hear a growling/vibration when you're in 2WD ONLY then I would suspect the needle bearings because when the hubs are Locked the axle spins WITH the front hub bearing. BUT with the hubs "free" the axle is still and rides on that needle brg as the tire turns.

Even with the transfer case in 2WD with the hubs locked you can hear it and by Locking/UnLocking each hub, one at a time, you should be able to find which side is doing it (if it's the needle brg)

[Tony V]

You mean do 1 side at a time and drive or when I lock it in it should do something?

[NoRalPh]

If both hubs are "Free" (unlocked) and you have the noise, then LOCK one side and drive it for a while to see if the noise goes away. If it does then That's the side that's making the noise because you're no longer spinning that needle bearing BECAUSE, the hub is in the Locked position.

If the noise is still there, UnLock that side and try LOCKING the other to see if THAT cures it.

This is, Only if your problem is a needle brg, and you have the noise in 2WD with the hubs Unlocked. LOCKING will cure the problem with the bad bearing because, once locked, That brg is no longer spinning.

Again, this is just a way to detect a bad needle bearing.....

[99BEIGEPOWERSTROKE]

I have the noise with hubs locked in or unlocked. It doesnt matter. So since the front driveshaft doesnt spin in 2wd then it cant be the front u joints right? I guess Ill have to check rear u joints. Is there anything else to check for?

[Tony V]

Now im pretty sure after you get going about 30+ your front u joints will spin some.. I could be wrong.

[NoRalPh]

I wouldn't be surprised if things "turned" some as you went down the road at speed but, I still think with them being in a no-load condition, it wouldn't be noisy or even Close to the same noise (somebody with a wireless camera stick one down there and tell us all!)

If it you've got noise Locked/UnLocked - 2WD/4WD, then it could be the wheel (hub) bearings themselves (among other things...)