2H clunking noise.

[Fack_Attack64]

I have a new to me 1978 Scout II with a 345, 727 auto, Dana 20 and Dana 44 axles. Relatively stock drivetrain from what I can tell. The Scout is lifted with 35" tires. After getting to know the 4wd system, and making sure everything works as it's supposed to, I seem to have a problem while drving it in 2H.

With the hubs out of the "lock" position and the transfer case in 2H, a "clunking" noise is coming from the front end. When I first heard it I immediately pulled over, and gave everything a good look over and I could not see anything obvious. I ran the transmission through each setting, and backed up a little thinking maybe an issue with a hub being stuck was the problem. Drove it the rest of the way home without any issues. The next day while driving it I hit a rough spot of road, and the clunking noise came back. This time I messed with the hubs and put them in lock. Turned easily into lock, drove it the rest of the way without any issues of the noise. To experiment further I unlocked the hubs for the drive home and the same thing happened. Hit a bump, and the clunking sound returns. Pull over, lock the hubs goes away. Any help on diagnosing this issue, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[int77345]

have you checked your ball joints? its easy lift up front wheel at a time, off the ground, keep tire on, grab tire at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and see if you can wiggle. do the same at 12 o'clock position and 6 o'clock position
if you can round up a friend do this while the friend watches the ball joints to visually see if any wiggle/movement/play is in the joint

 

[FDChappie]

I'd suggest that it might be a good time to pull apart the hubs and grease the wheel bearings. Are you running manual or the auto locker hubs?