Hello... what an awesome site!

I have a 1998 Tacoma 4x4 that has what sounds like some front end problems. It drives perfect under all conditions while in 2wd. When I put it into 4x4 it also drives fine unless i take off fast or turn sharp. If i take off fast, there is loud pop. If I turn to the right, I can go about 10 feet and something starts binding so bad, that it will actually kill the engine. It will stay running if i gain speed, but will pop bang boom crack clunk..... i can't pinpoint the noise, but it sounds bad! I took it to a local mechanic and he said the front gears were bad... so i replaced the entire front end gears and housing (i have a lot of extra parts), but the promblem still persists . I know for sure the one i put in worked perfect, but the noise is still there. I don't want to take it back to the same mechanic that misdiagnosed it!!! Any suggestions? Thank You
Jeff

 

Are you using 4WD on dry pavement?

 

Thats what I was going to ask. If the answer is yes, then don't. 4WD is not meant to be driven on dry pavement and that is what will happen if you do.

 

I have tested it on dry pavement and a grass field. I'll try it again and see if there is a difference when I do it in the field. I'm hoping both of you are right (even though I'll feel like an idiot). I own a 96 4runner and another 96 Tacoma and have never noticed a noise quite like this one, but then again, I don't put them in to 4 wheel drive all that often and never have on pavement so that could be why I haven't noticed it on my other rigs. Thanks Again and I'll get back...

 

Are your front and rear tires the same size?

 

^^^ I was going to ask that, and also are your front and rear gears the same size. Especially since you said you changed out parts in the front end.