4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 1992 FORD EXPLORER 4 W/D, hub assembly, cv joint

Question
FOR THE PAST MONTH, WHEN I ENGAGE MY 4 W/D FOR SNOW DRIVING, I COULD HEAR AN OCCASIONAL "THUMP" IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT WHEEL AREA. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT MUST BE A U-JOINT. YESTERDAY, I GOT STUCK IN MY DRIVEWAY & THE FRONT  WHEELS DIDN'T WANT TO ENGAGE ALL THE TIME. I COULD HEAR A CLICKING/WHIRRING/GRINDING  NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AS I ACCELERATED. DO YOU SUPPOSE THIS IS ONE OF THE FRONT U-JOINTS OR A COMPONENT IN THE WHEEL LOCK PARTS?
                THANX, KEVIN

Answer
Kevin,

Without, physically looking at, or listening to the problem, it is real hard to say what is wrong.  It can be anything from a u-joint/CV-joint in the front axle, to a faulty hub assembly.  I would jack up the Explorer, and pull the front wheel, and rotor to see if you can find any evidence of a broken part.  I would suggest that you purchase a repair manual from your local auto parts store if you don't have one, and wish to repair this yourself.

    Carl