Help! New sound...

[Natty]

I recently replaced all the front end seals in my 73, and pressed the 4 hi button to make sure everything was smooth. Here is the issue : when coasting ( SLOWLY ) and pressing the 4wd button I get a short grunting sound, like a short grind I guess as it enters 4wd. This is without the hubs locked... I haven't noticed this before as I have always shifted into 4wd from a stop... when I stop and shift there is no sound... once in 4wd everything seems normal, it's just that quick noise I'm worried about. Any ideas what it could be or suggestions??? I appreciate it!

 

[roscoFJ73]

I recently replaced all the front end seals in my 73, and pressed the 4 hi button to make sure everything was smooth. Here is the issue : when coasting ( SLOWLY ) and pressing the 4wd button I get a short grunting sound, like a short grind I guess as it enters 4wd. This is without the hubs locked... I haven't noticed this before as I have always shifted into 4wd from a stop... when I stop and shift there is no sound... once in 4wd everything seems normal, it's just that quick noise I'm worried about. Any ideas what it could be or suggestions??? I appreciate it!

Mine does that ,I guess its the clutch thing wearing out in the t/case.
I dont think it does it if I go faster but I push the button when Im stationary and it changes as I let the clutch out.
Be gentle with it and it will be okay for a long time

 

[Jim_Hbar]

Natty:

Why would you engage 4wd, when you are moving, without the hubs locked?

If you do that, the front drive-line (and diff, and axle shafts) is/are not rotating, and when you engage 4wd, something has to accelerate all that mass... thus the grinding.

A totally different situation happens when the hubs are engaged - the front end components are rotating, and at the correct speed if the tires are the same circumference (not worn), the rear end is not spinning, and you aren't turning a sharp corner.

I've never had an issue with all my rigs, doing that, in 26 years of owning 4x4's, if the hubs are locked

Rosco: I think you missed this part

This is without the hubs locked...

 

[roscoFJ73]

Rosco: I think you missed this part

Yeah I did. I wouldn't normally shift into 4H whilst moving without locking the hubs 1st. Sometimes I stop the vehicle ,shift into 4H ,then lock hubs

 

[Natty]

Yeah I know its strange ( and not good ) to engage it without the hubs locked - I don't think I've ever done that before.. I just had the front end apart, and once all together again I pulled it out and without thinking & locking the hubs I pressed the 4wd button while I ran it up and down the lane - just checking for proper operation. Whenever off road of course the hubs get locked, I just did not expect that sound... I guess 'cause I've never used 4x4 without them locked in! So I guess that solves my noise problem...?

 

[Natty]

I am correct in saying it is OK to keep the hubs locked at all times, right? Say like in the winter?

 

[roscoFJ73]

I am correct in saying it is OK to keep the hubs locked at all times, right? Say like in the winter?

No problems in winter or summer. A few decades back all hubs were permanently locked and if you look at some 4x4 and 6x6 heavy trucks they still have no FWH.

I take my dog for a run in the bush each day and leave the hubs locked because Im too lazy to unlock them
Unlocking them saves some wear and fuel(but not much though)