During the recent snow storm here in Colorado I spent a good portion of the day driving around in 4WD-HI. The next day I was driving around without 4WD and noticed a grinding noise while I was braking. The noise comes from the front of the vehicle but I am unable to determine if it originates from the driver or passenger side. I'm pretty positive my truck does not have ABS, but either way I'm on dry pavement when I'm braking so ABS shouldn't kick in.

My first thought is that I just need new brake pads / rotors but I find it rather odd that this occurred after a day of driving around in 4WD. Any thoughts on what could be causing the grinding noise?

1996 Ram 1500 5.9L

 

I think you nailed it, new brake pads. Driving in 4x4 had no effect on it. Just happened to be luck of the draw. Of course taking the brakes off will be the only way to tell for sure.

 

check everything out. grab tire at 12 o'clock and push/pull with all your might to check for a loose bearing. jack up truck and remove tire to inspect brake rotors and pads. might be a rock or something jammed up in there. check axle ujoints while you're there.

 

Does it seem to go away in turns? Often times a bearing will make a grinding sound, but can fade in a heavy turn when the pressure is removed from that bearing. Jack it up, give it a spin and see if it grinds/binds. Also, as dhvaughan said, grab it at 12 and 6 o'clock and put some muscle into it. If it moves, it could be a bad bearing (grinding sound) or bad ball joints (poor handling/ uneven tire wear)