Low speed clunking in 4wd modes

[Badlandsjoe]

I've gone thru the threads and not sure where this fits. 2023 badlands with 2" zone hockey puck lift added 6 months ago factory rims and tires nothing else added to suspension and all 4wd modes were fine after install. This past weekend here in southwest Florida we had severe storms and flooding so I decided to change goat mode to wet and slippery which puts it in 4 auto and I felt some thuds when I accelerated did the normal stuff changing it back to normal and back to slippery still there then normal and changed into 4 auto manually same result in all 4wd modes. It stops at 20 mph and runs fine no noise or binding I would think if was a cv joint it would continue or get worse with speed but 50 to 60 in 4 auto no noise what so ever. Any thoughts apricated.

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[HighVelocity]

Hockey pucks are meant to be frozen. They are protesting being forced to live in an alien environment.

 

[RagnarKon]

Does it only make noise when turning or in the straight line too??

Hockey pucks are meant to be frozen. They are protesting being forced to live in an alien environment.

 

[swami37]

I’ve had the same zone pucks on mine for a couple years now no issues… but I don’t drive on the asphalt in four-wheel-drive either

 

[Brian_B]

Clunking is usually
Loose bolt on a control arm or shock mount
CV joint
Loose FDU/tcase mount or axle bolt

Although I'm following this one, because something similar is happening on my son's '87 Bronco II, where it clunks only in 4LO, only occasionally and it does it straight or turning, and after redoing the steering and front suspension we are afraid it's the transfer case

 

[Badlandsjoe]

Straight line as soon as I accelerate it starts up to 20 25 mph then nothing I have checked all the bolts on shock towers control arms etc. I would think if it were the axle bolt I would notice it regardless of what mode I'm in and wouldn't 4 auto not be sending power to the front unless needed I'm not sure I started loosing touch with newer complex systems. Locking the hubs and manually shifting into 4wd was allot easier. It's scheduled for it's first service next week I guess I'll see what they say. Also has anyone got their ball broke about forscan changes when in for service just curious
Brian good luck on the 87 I had one for 8 years plowed a ton of snow with it up north had only 1 problem trans seal blew out that little thing was a beast in the snow or on the sand.

 

[Murraydog11]

It could also be the slip joint/yolk needs to be re-greased. This issue has popped up in a bunch of Bronco/F-150's.

 

[sliver93]

Stock Badlands 2-Door 7MT has the same thing. I took my wife out this weekend and she asked what all the clunking was during gear shifts - I’ve only noticed it when in 4 low. I’ll have the dealer take a look and update if it’s anything. We are rarely in 4wd, so hopefully it’s not something getting worse over time.

 

[BadlandsA51]

If you are on a surface that has any traction you will get driveline binding and clunks and bumps while you are in 4Hi or 4 Lo. The noises and bump sensations will be more pronounced in 4 Lo. The bumps on upshifts and downshifts are because of the gear reduction in 4Lo multiplying the torque from the transmission gear changes. 4Lo should be used only for climbing steep grades or climbing over obstacles. 4Hi is all that is needed for most trails, a lot of trails can be run in 2Hi. You should really only use 4 wheel drive when you need it.

 

[Badlandsjoe]

What about 4 auto why is it doing the same thing ? and why in a straight line there should be no binding unless turning ?

 

[BadlandsA51]

4 Auto only locks the transfer case clutch to the front differential if sees the rear drive shaft going faster than the front during wheel spin. You are fine driving in 4Auto any time, but it will reduce your fuel economy somewhat due to spinning the front driveline all the time.

 

[Badlandsjoe]

So I guess the question is why am I getting that noise in 4 auto with no rear wheel slip ? Would that be pointing to something in the transfer case and why does it disappear at 20 mph

 

[Boreal]

Stock Badlands 2-Door 7MT has the same thing. I took my wife out this weekend and she asked what all the clunking was during gear shifts - I’ve only noticed it when in 4 low. I’ll have the dealer take a look and update if it’s anything. We are rarely in 4wd, so hopefully it’s not something getting worse over time.

The 7MT is very clunky/clackity in 4L. Every drivetrain needs some clearance/slack in order to operate, these noises are multiplied as we gear down.

Try feathering the clutch more and shifting while being completely off throttle(and momentum), you’ll notice it mostly goes away. It’s just how she’s setup.

 

[Brian_B]

Brian good luck on the 87 I had one for 8 years plowed a ton of snow with it up north had only 1 problem trans seal blew out that little thing was a beast in the snow or on the sand.

Thanks - it runs well, only big issue we did blow out the original 5 speed and had to find a rebuild. Other than that, mostly just tweaks here and there to just keep making it a bit better. The 4LO clunk hasn't kept us from running around in it so far, just something we think probably shouldn't be there - like the high pitched whine from the tranny before 5th gear eventually exploded.

 

[sliver93]

The 7MT is very clunky/clackity in 4L. Every drivetrain needs some clearance/slack in order to operate, these noises are multiplied as we gear down.

Try feathering the clutch more and shifting while being completely off throttle(and momentum), you’ll notice it mostly goes away. It’s just how she’s setup.

Thank you, that's what I told her, but this thread got me wondering. I am fine with a little clunking noise off road, it reminds me of my dad's old Willys!

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