I got an 87 4x4 pickup recently, its a 4 cyl, 5 speed, and ever since i got it it has made a growling/howling noise, loudest at about 28mph but heard at most speeds from 15-45. i know my hubs aren't froze up because i forgot to lock them once, got stuck, locked them, then drove right out, so i know that's all functioning properly. I'm thinking it may be my wheel bearings,. you can also feel it through the floor boards cause i don't have carpet just rubber matt type floor. i searches and can't quite find a problem that is the same as mine. Just curious if anyone had ideas.

 

Jack it up, then turn the wheel by hand. If you can feel anything, the bearings are gone.

 

Are you sure the noise is from the front end and not from the rear drive shaft, transfercase, or the transmission? I would do what scope103 is saying but I would put the truck on jackstands, put it in gear in 4wd and pin point the noise that way first.

 

Present at constant speeds, acceleration or deceleration?

:wabbit2:

 

You can hear it at all speeds from about 15-45 mph, and it is the same pitch, sound, and it doesn't get louder or softer, its just constant. Except at like 28mph it is a little bit louder. and I'm pretty sure its comin from up front