I think my fun has caught up with me
 

so, i was driving down the road about 30 mph and the truck suddenly jolted, felt like i hit a dog, and the rear tires hopped and locked up. i drove to a near by parking lot and discovered my transfercase leaking oil. it wasnt a thick stream, more like a small leak. i drove it home, no more than 3 miles away, and it made a clicking sound the entire time, especially when i let off the gas.

what has happened?

2002 f150 fx4 5.4 90,000 miles.

how did you drive it if you rear tires locked up?

took it off road, burnouts, etc, but not something i did daily. i got it stuck this past weekend but it has been fine until today.

no, you mentioned in your original post that when it jolted, the wheels locked up. how would you drive it home if your wheels were locked up?

probably drive it front wheel drive. I did that to a Bronco 2. The out put from the transfer case to the rear snapped on me so I locked the hubs and drove it home.

*edit* N/M if the wheels were locked up probably drove it like a dog dragging its butt across the floor. :)

the wheels only locked up temporarily.

It sounds like your rear diff took a dump... If the noise is constant when on the gas, but changes (may or maynot be constant) when you let off the gas, it is probably a few or more broken teeth in the rear diff... Could also be destroyed LSD carrier assy (spider gears and clutch packs)... Or it could also be the pinion bearing has failed, and the pinion is moving around in the case...

That is where I would look first...

Let us know what you find!!

Cheers!!

I think look at the transfer case. But if you want you can remove the rear drive shaft and spin the tires and see if you feel anything.

and the price tag for all of these repairs?

Well, if you are turning the wrenches and can find a good U-Pull-It yard, next to nothing compared to the alternative...

If you are turning the wrenches and don't have such a salvage yard, you could be looking for around $750 for a good used rear (whole thing - brakes to brakes)...

And finally, if you have someone do the work, just add their labor to the price of the rear...

I would personally have the whole rear swapped (one already with the correct gears!!!!) before I would pay a shop to rebuild yours... But, that is just me...

If it is the transfer case, I'd also just swap or have it swapped with a good used unit...

Good luck!!

Cheers!!