[gwd]

1. Can you drive a 2002 AWD if front drive shaft is removed?
Would it affect the transfer case?
2. By removing the the ATC 20 amp fuse help in driving the van without the front drive shaft?
3. When the front drive shaft is removed, would it be possible to turn by hand, freely, the shaft from the transfer case?

I have this banging coming from under the driver/passenger seat area, every revolution of the tire rotating when driving.
It sounds like having extremely worn out universal joints.
When front wheels are raised and I rotate the front tires, by hand, noting is binding even with front drive shaft connected.
Tried rotating the half shafts to see if there is play in joints but none.
The passenger side one was changed because it came apart at the rubber boot.
Feel no change when front shaft is disconnected to turning wheels by hand.
I was even able to rotate the the drive shaft while connected by using a ratchet and sock on differential side were the coupling is made by 4 bolts.
Did not feel anything.
I can not figure out why it making a banging noise when driving.
Made less noise when turning but problem is still there.

Any ides?

 

[gwd]

I removed the front drive shaft and took a ride up and down the street.
I left the ATC fuse in.
There is no banging noise.
It runs normal like a RWD.
There is snow on the street and what a difference when the AWD is off.
Like night and day driving on snowy ice road. The rear end wants to slide around when press on the gas quickly.

So I still do not know what the problem is.
Any ideas what I can look into to find the problem?

 

[MechBob]

If the front driveshaft, and axles are good, you may have some teeth broke off of spyer or axle gear, in front diff.

 

[gwd]

Is the front diff hard to open? Does it have plate that I can remove to look.
It is not as easy to open compared to the rear.

 

[Rod's Trucks]

You have to remove it and split the case halves.