Sounds when in 4x4

Bingo

New Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2010
Location
NC
Hi all been lurking for a few weeks now. I really dont know to much about lifting trucks etc.
A local car lot has a 03 2500HD Chevy for sale 82K miles . Its been lifted 6inches and got some large tires on some 16" rims. I totally forgot the size.
Anyways, took it for a test drive. Thing runs strong real smooth.
Then here comes the kicker, I put it in 4 wheel drive high, and start to go forward. It starts to make this grinding popping type of noise. I know its hard to try and diagnose over the internet. Thought i would give it a try and get some opinions.
It also does it in low 4x4. Going straight,down a hill up doesn't matter.
Any ideas what it could be? How much to fix etc?
Should i just stay away from this truck? They want 11.5 for it. How much is it worth with the 4x4 problems?

Thanks
 
mudder said:
that popping noise could be the t-case wanting to puke. possibly cause someone wanted to put bigger tires on it but couldn't afford to re-gear both axles.

or could be something else. imo, stay away, far away.
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I agree, bad transfer case for various reasons, front and rear axles may still have different gearing . Would damn sure get it checked out by a mechanic (independant not dealers) for opinion on repairs before purchase.
 
if its not a diesel and pristine that is high anyway mho
 
i tend to stay away from buying vehicles that have been lifted by the previous owner because they have most likely beat the snot out of it...which could be the cause trans case making noise....who knows what else is about ready to go
 
does it buck and lurch when in 4wd? that would be a good indicator of missmatched gears. Or the TC is dry and worn out. then again, it could be something simple. Like stated above, take it to someone to check it out.
 
if the seller "doesn't know whats wrong" hes probably hiding something from you. Like said above 11.5 is a little much for that truck id say. In my experiences just wait there will be another truck that's even better. The last thing you want to do is jump into something and a yr later have to replace drivetrain on a fairly new truck.
 
Thanks guys,I took it to my mechanic but the thing is he couldn't get it on his lift or in his garage to really check it out. Its one of those things he said that he isn't to sure what it is with out getting into it. Could be a lot of things. 11.5 is the kbb value for my area, so they asking right on with kbb. But if it possible needs a few thousand in repairs, sounds like a headache from the get go.

does it buck and lurch when in 4wd? not that i noticed

Or the TC is dry and worn out. Sorry what is TC? Newb here :)

Truck was bought new in Michigan with 9miles, one owner. I think i know why he got rid of it lol

possibly cause someone wanted to put bigger tires on it but couldn't afford to re-gear both axles.

So the axles need to be re-geared? Is thier a rule of thumb for this? Like what size tire is safe from regearing,etc?

Thanks for all the answers and opinions.
 
Bingo said:
Thanks guys,I took it to my mechanic but the thing is he wouldn't get it on his lift or in his garage to really check it out. Its one of those things he said that he isn't to sure what it is with out getting into it. Could be a lot of things. 11.5 is the kbb value for my area, so they asking right on with kbb. But if it possible needs a few thousand in repairs, sounds like a headache from the get go.
does it buck and lurch when in 4wd? not that i noticed
Or the TC is dry and worn out. Sorry what is TC? Newb here :)
Truck was bought new in Michigan with 9miles, one owner. I think i know why he got rid of it lol
possibly cause someone wanted to put bigger tires on it but couldn't afford to re-gear both axles.
So the axles need to be re-geared? Is thier a rule of thumb for this? Like what size tire is safe from regearing,etc?
Thanks for all the answers and opinions.
Click to expand...

TC = Transfer case

You don't have to regear when you go to larger tires, It just helps with the loss of power due to the larger tire.

It can cost $1500 or more to regear a set of axles, So cut that in half to do just one, Which is fine as long as you never use 4wd. The dollar amount is just a guess on my part, I priced it right at $800 for my Jeep with me doing the labor.

I am still running stock gears on my TJ with 35s, But I want to regear, just need to get the $$.

Are you sure you had it completely engaged in 4wd, I am not sure on the chevys but my TJ will grind if the lever is not seated well.

The TC being Dry means that someone my not have kept oil in it, Which TC are known to leak, at least mine has.

ai365.photobucket.com_albums_oo91_heslekrants_GearTireChart.jpg

ai365.photobucket.com_albums_oo91_heslekrants_GearTireChart1.jpg
 
As far as I know we had it seated in 4x4. When I first test drove it ,it was hard to get in 4x4. Very hard to get in
4wd hi. I am guessing any transmission shop could check it out and see if the TC is low couldn't they?
 
Bingo said:
As far as I know we had it seated in 4x4. When I first test drove it ,it was hard to get in 4x4. Very hard to get in
4wd hi. I am guessing any transmission shop could check it out and see if the TC is low couldn't they?
Click to expand...

Yeah they can check it,

Dont know allot about Chevys, So does it have a lever to shift it. If so the linkage could be off after the lift was installed thats not allowing it to engage properly. I know Jeeps will do that and give the same issues.
 
burrellsjeep said:
Yeah they can check it,
Dont know allot about Chevys, So does it have a lever to shift it. If so the linkage could be off after the lift was installed thats not allowing it to engage properly. I know Jeeps will do that and give the same issues.
Click to expand...

I will do some research on the chevys and see what i can find.


Thanks all for the responses. I will do some checking around and take the truck to a transmission shop just to see what they say. I am more than likely not going to get it. I just want to ease my mind some.
 
Check your tire size too. Different front to back is the same as different gear ratios.
 
Well the lot took it to their mechanic. It has a crack on too of the TC. I don't know how much something like this would cost to fix. The lot not sure if they want to repair it or auction it off. Not sure what to offer if it is even worth it.
 
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