I'm pondering removing my front driveshaft to do some diagnosing. I've never did this so I'm wondering if I can. Well, I know I can, but can I drive the truck this way? I'm thinking I can.

I get some odd drive train noise when selecting 4A and 4H. The noise is a little different in each, but very similar. I'm just trying to figure out where the noise originates. I figure if the noise persists in the same manner then the transfer case is likely the culprit. I wish I had an array of microphones and cameras to rig up. I do have one GoPro.

Please add your thoughts on how I might diagnose and isolate the noises I'm having. Thanks.

 

HINT/TIP: Put your -complete- vehicle information (year, model, cab, trim, engine, wheelbase, _x4 drive, mileage, modifications, etc., etc.) in your signature -OR- provide it in your posting(s).
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When I tried pulling the front driveshaft out of my 2010 FX4 parts truck ended up wrecking it trying to dislodge it from the transfer case. That truck lived its whole life in the rust belt so your results may very.

 

That's not encouraging. By the service manual it looks to be a pretty straight forward removal. Rust can play having on things.

 

I imagined it just dropping out after unbolting, but that wasn't the case. Some penetrating oil ahead of time will likely go a long way. The truck I was working on had some severe corrosion issues so that didn't help. You could also get creative with loosening bolts and putting the truck in drive while in 4wd to see if you can get it to loosen itself.