Popping noise when going around curves up/down hills.

Hey there, so I’ve been in a bit of a haste the past two months with my 4Runner, it’s a 2003 4.7 4wd sport edition, so I started to get this popping noise coming from the front/middle of the vehicle. Now keep in mind before this happened my transfer case would never let me go into 4low so I never touched it. Anyways, the popping noise continued to get worse and worse so I figured it’s An axle so I replaced the axles, meanwhile it still done it. So I took out the center differential and turned on differential lock and it would go just fine without a popping noise so I figure it was the front driveshaft so I replaced it with a brand new one. Same issue, soon as this started happening my transfer case started to work and I could drive in 4low, before the transfer case would never lock into 4low. Ever.

im running in circles here lost and I have no idea what to do, I have a family of two and I’m just so lost cause it’s the only vehicle that we have.

what is your thoughts?

 

They say the driveshaft “propeller “ should be greased real good (6 fittings down there) and there are bolts to to torqued every 30k mikes so they say. They are known to make a popping sound if not greased.

 

Moral of story: "stay away from 4wheel drive - most people never even use it." - according to the experts

 

Maybe in the Bahamas.....