driveline/hub noise help

[rideak]

I am new to this site. I have searched but haven't found any info that is what I am experiencing. I recently purchased an 02 F350 4x4 diesel auto.

Being in Alaska, I use my 4wd a lot. I have manual hubs. Recently I started hearing a grinding noise come from my driverside front hub. When I switch it out of 4wd, with the hubs still locked, the noise stops.

I jacked up my front end and wiggled the wheels - wheel bearings are good. There is a little play when I spin my tire and when the u-joints move. Not sure how much play is supposed to be in there but it doesn't seem to be the problem.

Last night I unlocked my hubs and switched it into 4wd - I thought I would still be able to break the rearend loose on slick snow but it acted like I was in 4wd - even with my hubs unlocked - good traction and when I turned it felt like I was in 4wd. Could this be a bad hub causing the noise and still keeping my truck in 4wd with the hubs unlocked?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[95F350XL]

Is it auto hubs? They have an auto spot, and lock spot? Mine were locking and unlocking as I was driving making that same sound. If you have the vacuum line going to the knuckle then you have auto hubs. If the noise stops when you put them in lock, then the hubs are bad. I got a set of warn premiums off amazon I think. There should also be no play in the axle shaft u-joints.

 

[rideak]

Thanks for the reply - they are manual hubs. When they are locked and I have it in 2wd - no noise. When I put it in 4wd - the grinding begins.

Looks like I have some work to do with the u-joints anyway.

 

[95F350XL]

The autos are the same as the manuals vs the lock and free spots. The auto has auto and lock. They prob arnt locking right