Front Diff Pop

Hey guys hope I'm postinting this in the right place. I love TW! Just joined and have spent hours searching and reading!

I finally have a question, I have been noticing a "popping" noise or "pop" when I disengage my 4X4. I doesnt always do it but sounds like its in a bind or stuck. I have a 2004 db cab with the push button 4wheel drive. It mostly does if im sitting still but not if im driving and turn it off. Im new to trucks and 4wheel drive so I'm a true noob!

Thanks guys for any thoughts!

 

a click may be heard from the system disengaging. not sure about a popping noise

 

I guess you could even call it a clunk?? Not sure on best word to describe it. It still works fine just know that it doesnt sound normal and want to fix any problem now before it gets worse!

 

Yeah they do that. If there is even a little wind up in the 4wd system, when you shift out, it will clunk. Such is the life of the part time 4wd system. Mine does it all the time, because our snow is pretty dry (low moisture content) and so can be really grippy at times, and doesn't always let the wheels slip enough. So the system winds up a bit. Shift out ... CLUNK. My 86 4Runner did this for 24 Colorado winters before I sold her, and never broke. So I'm not too worried.

 

Just a thought, if there's a significant difference in tire wear (circumference) between the front and rear tires this "pop" or "clunk" will be way more pronounced.