4WD jolt and clank noise

Since winter hit this year, I've been having to switch into 4WD periodically because last winter we had hardly any snow. I noticed that only in 4WD High or Low, if I accelerate and take my foot off the pedal, then coast, when I apply the gas softly again I can hear a slight/quick clank noise and can feel a minor jolt. It's not continual, but clanks every time I idle/coast then re apply the gas. The clank almost sounds like gear teeth slipping into where they're supposed to be to turn the axle.
My brother in-law and myself decided to look at it the other night and noticed how loose the CV Axle moves on the driver side. He stumbled across the thread about the design flaw in the carrier and the spider gear.

(https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ntial-bearing-vibration-thread.152173/page-21)

Although I do get vibration while driving (predominantly in 2WD) which could be linked to that, I feel my jolt/clanking problem may be something separate. I only get that problem in 4WD. And of course I only will use my 4WD when needed and not for long periods of time when I do. Also (knowing it was dry pavement) I tried to see if the noise intensified while turning in 4WD. Driving steady in a circle was causing heavy shaking but not so much the "clanking" noises.
Anyone else experienced this and could lead me to another thread or knows what's going on? Or is it really all linked to the CV Axle bearing mentioned earlier. Not too car savvy, but I'm confident in myself to fix certain things if I can read or watch instructions. Hope this makes sense.

6 speed standard transmission, V6 SR5 2007 Toyota Tacoma, all stock, and no lifts... yet.

 

Sounds like U-joint problems...and or center bearing if equipped on your particular truck, how many miles on it?

 

roughly 90k

 

The one time clank is usually a u-joint, which can cause the vibration you feel, check those first.

If you need to learn how to check them let us know.