Was checking out my 4wd yesterday and I noticed that when in 4H or 4L, there was a loud popping noise when I turn left or right. Never had a 4wd do that. Ihave not torn into the front end or anything like that. Just curious as to what is wrong if anything, or is it just since the 4wd has not been engaged in quite while.

 

Sounds like a potential axle or possibly binding due to 4wd on dry pavement. (If that's how you were testing it)

If you engage the hubs but leave it in 2wd and it still pops is probably an axle.

note, if you turn these old yotas to full lock they will grind and pop in the steering stops.

 

it might help to know what your 4wd is. Old Yota Racer might be a clue, but are we talking about an IFS or solid axle, or do you drive a Subaru?

 

My front end pops too at full lock. I have a 91 4x4 with IFS

EDIT: Manual hubs

 

Front end popping or screeching when turning at full lock in an IFS truck is the steering stops and can be fixed by replacing the plastic caps on them and adding a dab of grease (this won't last long though). if you are having any other front end popping noises when you are just turned part way you need to narrow it down to which side or both and check your CV axles. (do you have manual hubs?)

 

Looked at other threads the OP has started, he has a 1990 4WD with a 3.0