Front end noise

[AuroraGirl]

The u-joints on the drive shafts seem fine (no play at all) but idk how old they are. I replaced the axle u-joints this spring which is when I replaced the bearings as well.
Also my hubs don't lock

You have NP203 with always locked hubs?

 

[AuroraGirl]

Can you temporarily remove the ends of your hubs so you free wheel to see if the NP203 differential is doing its job

 

[Fjordlander]

You have NP203 with always locked hubs?

Yes I have the NP203 with always locked hubs.

 

[Grit dog]

If not bearings or u joints in the front and nothing loose with the brakes, and presumably speed variable noise, I’d start looking at the front diff or transfer case. Remove front driveshaft and see if noise disappears or can isolate it further? Being full time 4wd everything is spinning all the time.

 

[Ricko1966]

Push up and down on the front pinion yoke,looking for a sloppy pinion bearing.

 

[Fjordlander]

Can you temporarily remove the ends of your hubs so you free wheel to see if the NP203 differential is doing its job

I put the truck on jack stands to see if the front diff was working and it is but the rear wheels started spinning instantly whereas the front was delayed and much slower. Is that normal or is something up with my diff?

 

[Fjordlander]

Push up and down on the front pinion yoke,looking for a sloppy pinion bearing.

The driver front yoke does have a little play in it! Is that bearing replaceable or do I just need a new yoke?

 

[mtbadbob]

Front shaft CV wore causing it to bind with the lift??

 

[Fjordlander]

Front shaft CV wore causing it to bind with the lift??

How would I test this?

 

[Ricko1966]

The driver front yoke does have a little play in it! Is that bearing replaceable or do I just need a new yoke?

If the play is in the pinion bearings you'll have to replace the pinion bearings

 

[squaredeal91]

The u-joints on the drive shafts seem fine (no play at all) but idk how old they are. I replaced the axle u-joints this spring which is when I replaced the bearings as well.
Also my hubs don't lock

you got the chrome tin covers on your hubs? Haven't seen those in a coons age lol. There reliable but definitely keeps parts moving when you don't need them too. Any plans for manual or auto locking hubs? And how much pinion play are we talking about here? Little wiggle or flop donkey status?

 

[Fjordlander]

you got the chrome tin covers on your hubs? Haven't seen those in a coons age lol. There reliable but definitely keeps parts moving when you don't need them too. Any plans for manual or auto locking hubs? And how much pinion play are we talking about here? Little wiggle or flop donkey status?

Yeah I've got the chrome tin covers. Currently no plans to change them out but that may change.

The pinion only wiggles a little but only on the driver's side.

 

[idahovette]

What part are you calling a "pinion"? I think we need pictures

 

[Fjordlander]

What part are you calling a "pinion"? I think we need pictures

Sorry, I'm referring to this yoke that joins the axle at the u-joint

 

[squaredeal91]

Sorry, I'm referring to this yoke that joins the axle at the u-joint

Okay. That's your axle Shaft U-joint. The pinion yoke is where your front axle meets the front driveshaft. With full time hubs your front end is always spinning everything, even in 2wd. I'm guessing it's your front driveshaft because it wasn't making the sound before the lift kit install. Remove front driveshaft and see if the sound goes away.