awd problem 2003

[jmark40]

The truck was cruising about 65 ( going downhill not under a load) when i felt a noticeable down shift. I exited the highway and it started to grind and could smell burning clutches. I stalled the truck after rolling for a short time. ( torque converter must have been still engaged ) . I restarted the truck and tried it in reverse, it went with a grind. I put back in low 1 and as long as i kept the speed below 5 mph it went without much noise. I drove it home about 3 miles. After about 1 mile I was able to increase the speed to 30 mpg without noise or any clutch burning. As I closer to home I got it up to 45 mph.
The noise came from the front wheels not the transfer case. Any Ideas? front axle, case?
Mark

[chevy57bert]

I think it would be helpful if we know what kind off Van you have?
How much miles on it.
Maybe a few more details?

And welcome to AS
your first post in 2 years??

[jmark40]

Thanks, It's a 2003 cargo van. I have lurked for a while. I was able to solve most of my issues using the search and archived site.
No luck this time.

[astroturf]

Bump for the New Guy.

Calling all AWD Guys.

Thanks, Jim

[jmark40]

This thread is a little old but I just pulled the truck on jack stands. Powered it up and ran the wheels while listening for noise locations. First off, only 3 wheels rotated in this AWD truck. I grabbed a 6 ft hose with one end to my ear and isolated the nose to the front differential. I shut the truck down and rotated the non operating wheel ( passenger front) The drivers front rotated the opposite direction as expected. I could not really feel any grind rotating by hand. With power on the the noise did not show up until I put it up to about 25 mph.
I assume the spider gears are shot in the differential.
Any input would be appreciated. I am starting the tear down tomorrow.

[jmark40]

Just to finish thread. Maybe of use for someone else. The bearings in the front differential were toast. A used unit fixed it.