1996 3 button 4 wheel i have a bad clunking and slipping in front end thinking it's the splines slipping on the front axle is there anything to check before i pull the axle tube to check the shift fork and gears.

 

I have the same problem in my 98 with 3 button switch. It's not the splines tho. I just replaced both front axle's, both hub bearings, and took the axle tube apart and put new thrust washers kit in. all was fine for a couple weeks until i had my tires rotated and balanced. The next day when i used 4hi i have this awful clunking noise and almost like a bucking sensation in the front end. the noise is coming from the passenger side. I'm thinking maybe since my front tires dont match maybe one wore a little funny and now their spinning at different speeds causing a bind when the clutch fork locks the front axle's together. not sure tho, its an awful sound and worries me.

 

hi thyanks for the reply i looked at the actuator under the bat. box and found the actuator came unbolted no letting it pull the cable far enough going to fix it today hope it fixes it

 

when mine started making the noise i checked the diaphragm under the bat and all was well and surprisingly little rust. i must have a different problem all together.