First time posting here I've read the other thread regarding this issue, namley, the CV joint (propeller joint) comming off the front end of the tcase began to bind and start to make a clicking/smacking sound. I have a 2011 ranger 4L 5spd 4x4. The guy who sold it to me tried to rebuild the Tcase and said after putting new seals in it it still weeps ATF. I have kept an eye on the transfer case fluid levels and kept it topped off for the most part. My issue happened the first time while towing my trailer and snowmobile on a dryish road in 4H. I know stupid thing to do but had just had a harrowing drive down an icy first service road and forgot to switch it off when I pulled into the highway. I replaced the front drive shaft assembly (u joint shaft and CV joint).

The second time this happened I had been towing the trailer on a very icy road going about 30-40mph for approx an hour. I started to hear the same clicking pulled over let the truck cool off and it went away briefly before comming back louder and more pronounced.

I've removed the front drive shaft assembly and the sound and shuddering has stopped the CV joint binds when I articulate it. I can replace this again but I want to know what is the cause. My buddy (guy who sold me the truck) says that he backed the torsion keys off one notch from being fully torked and doesn't think that the minor lift is the culprit.

What should I ask the mechanics to look for when I take it into the shop next week or is this something I could take care of myself. Thanks