Clicking noise from front end

[Burns]

I can't tell if the noise is from the transfer case or the differential case. Also, the 4x4 won't engage. I think maybe the 4x4 is trying to engage but isn't quite locking in.

My questions are these:

Can I remove the driveshaft without damaging anything, as to eliminate the sound and feeling till I can fix it?

Is the transfer case an easy swap out?

If it is the differential case, how bad are we talking for a fix? Rebuild, simple swap out, or full blown new axle?

Anything and everything would be immensly helpful here. I'm dying to keep her.

1990 Bronco XLT (I'm only 6 years older the truck /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> )

Red and maroon two-tone

302 with AOD C-6 tansmission

Push button on the fly 4x4 and Low Range

My "Driving project." /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Justshootme84]

If you have the automatic locking hubs in the front axle, that could cause the "clicking"noise, as well as bad u-joints either in the front driveshaft or axle shafts. When you "engage" 4x4-Hi, see if the front drivesaft turns and the indicator light on the dash comes on. IF not, the shift motor or relay may be bad. There's some previous posts on troubleshooting the electrical system, or check the Tech Articles forum. Go to "Miesk5 Homepage" and look up the transfer case section, JSM84

There's also good info at this site from Univ. of Maryland. It's on the Ford Explorer, but applies to the Bronco system:

Tech Help

 

[Seabronc]

Yes you could remove the front drive shaft. I wouldn't get too worried about how hard it is to do all that untill the problem is narrowed down. Then we can talk about removal and replacement. Most of that depends on your ability and willingness to learn.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Burns]

Yes you could remove the front drive shaft. I wouldn't get too worried about how hard it is to do all that untill the problem is narrowed down. Then we can talk about removal and replacement. Most of that depends on your ability and willingness to learn.

Good luck,

>-

The willingness to learn I have, ability pretty good with a toolbox. I diconnected the shift motor, hoping it'd stop the clicking noise. Now I notice a similar clicking sound (slow clicking as I pick up speed, faster I go the faster the clicking, almost like a card in a bike spoke) from the back end. I checked the rear driveshaft, no movement at all, except it spins about a quarter of a turn in nuetal with the engine on and e-brake on. I'm thinking maybe the U-joints, but I was led to believe that caused movement to create the noise? This clicking bothers me, I don't want it to drop apart while on my way to work, it's my daily driver.

And Justshootme84, when I hit 4x4, nothing happens but a "click on click off" and the power dims a second. No indicator light at all. The relay I still have to check, fumble through my Chilton's for a location.

Thanks guys.