2.7 4x4 front end noise

Hey everyone, I've been trying to hunt down a grinding/popping noise coming from my front passenger side for a while now.

I only hear the noise when I am taking off from a complete stop and giving it a good amount of gas or pulling something. In other words, it takes some effort to hear it. The best way I can describe the noise would be the sound a tire rubbing on a fender well makes (it isn't ).

I have replaced my motor mounts and struts but nothing has changed. However, I have noticed it more often so whatever it is must be getting worse.

Any ideas? I am trying my best to diy and dont want to jump into a full blown front end job unless totally neccessary. For perspective, its a '96 2.7 4x4 with 112,000 on it. Cheers!

 

Manual hubs or ADD?

 

Manual

 

One of mine was grinding when some dirt or grit got in the idler area where the axle rides when it's not turning. See if the noise still occurs with the hubs locked, don't use 4WD though

 

Tried it this morning. It still makes the same noise with the hubs locked.