Grinding while in 2wd but not in 4wd.
 

For about the last week ivve noticed some sort of grinding when my truck is in 2wd. I keep the hubs locked all the time, but when my 4wd isnt engaged i hear that sound. I think it might be the driveshaft grinding against some frozen mud, but it should have grinded away already. I changed my differential fluid a few months ago and ill check the gasket for leaks. I am about to go look at it but I have no clue what to look for.

Thanks, Hunter.

1996 ranger xlt, 4.0l v6.

No thoughts?

Jack up one front wheel and turn it to feel for grinding, roughness, or sloppiness. Check the u-joints and the slip joint on the front drive shaft, those are the cheaper and easier items, maybe you will get lucky. If it's the slip joint shops that do driveline work on semis can easily re-do it, a place called Precision- Built in KC, MO did those on my 77 Bronco, 79 F150, and even my old Bush Hog.

I would really be beneficial if you could be more specific about the grinding description. By this I mean, front/back, left/right, happens under accel, at steady cruise on the flats, during decel, does it do it with hubs unlocked, hot/cold, anything that can make the description more detailed and specific could really help.

It grinds more when the truck is going slower but it sounds like it is near the front or right under my feet. It sounds as if it grinds on only half of whatever is grinding when it turns. It does not do it when the hubs are unlocked. It is hard to explain but I really need help pinpointing it because 4wd is a must in Alaska. I can also talk to whoever knows anything about this, 1-907-399-0804.

Thanks, Hunter

I would check the driveshaft first, then from there move to the front diff, the pinion bearings could he bad, check for any movement.

Any chance it does it more/less when turning, which in turn could suggest a wheel bearing?