I just took them off yesterday to make sure my wheel bearings were tight (which they were loose, so I tightened them, and the noise still continues) and the hubs are functioning properly so they should definitely be unlocked.

 

This is driving me crazy....

 

With the front tires in the air, grab the tire at 6 and 12 o'clock and see if you can feel any play as you push/pull on the tire. Then repeat at 3 and 9 o'clock and see if there is any play. If felt vertically, then it is likely the knuckle bearings. If horizontally, then there may be something loose in the steering; tie rod ends, or the ball/socket joints on the drag link.

 

Thank you. 4Crawler to the rescue once again.

 

Definitely some vertical play, so would it be a good idea to dismantle and check them out, or could I just snug them up and get away with it that way?

 

Unless the steering arm and the bottom caps are loose, tightening the nuts on them will do nothing to make the bearings tighter. Bearing pre-load is set by the shims under the arms/caps:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...arWindow.shtml

 

Okay, I'll take this as a calling to rebuild the axle. I guess I need to load up all my scrap metal for some cash! Thanks, Sean