My 2001 Dakota V6 makes a growling noise when in 4wd. The noise starts at about 25-30 mph and gets louder the faster I go. The noise is the same when I'm driving straight or turning the wheel, and the noise only happens when in 4wd. I have changed the fluid in the front transfer case, but that didn't help. Are my gears going bad or can it be something else?

 

Tires all the same size?

Either way, if it's only happening in 4x4 then it's something transfer case related, the CV shafts and intermediate shaft are in constant motion when in 2wd, just not driven.

 

Tires are all the same size. I have moderate mechanical skills, can I fix this myself? What's the best approach? Should I pull the front diff and start replacing parts?

 

It could be the front driveshaft bearing. Yes it is always in motion when the truck is moving, but there is a difference when it is turning and when it is turning with a load applied to it. Thunder had his crap out on him not too long ago maybe check out his posts and see if the symptoms are similar. If not I would agree that it's something in the transfer case. If you have moderate mechanical skills I would think you could takle repairing/replacing a transfercase there isn't too much to them.

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...t-experts.html

Here ya go.

 

Turns out it was the front drive shaft, I pulled it off and had a guy in town rebuild it for $100. Good as new!