I test drove a 98 12v 4x4 auto a few days ago.. Man, I really like the truck but there were a few things that bothered me about it. It leaked power steering fluid a little bit and the interior needs a thorough cleaning. The front bumper was badly dented and the body had several dings and scratches. The tailgate could also use a replacing...

The biggest thing was that when I engaged it in 4H (with tranny in neutral), it made a noticeable CLUNK sound from the transfer case (or transmission ). I don't know if this is normal. It didn't make that sound when going into 2L or 4L.

Next, the radiator, thermostat, and brake master cylinder had been replaced.

And finally, the automatic transmission didn't feel like it was shifting as smooth as I'm used to. I've never driven one of these trucks with an automatic, so I don't know how it should feel. But the shifting wasn't as smooth as my Honda by far. He said the previous owner had installed a HD torque plate and valve body...

By the way, would this truck have an EGR valve if it was originally an California truck?

 

My thing would be

to check the fluid on the T case, alot of times if there isnt enough fluid they will not go in smoothly..

Tx

 

So, the clunk sound is not normal right? You guys don't hear anything when you engage in 4wd?

 

mine clunks sometimes

 

.....no clunk here....

 

Are you sure it wasn't the axle sleeve connecting the two axles in the front end?
That might make a clunk sound.

Peter

 

The tranny is going to shift different from a gasser so it isn't going to be like your used to. That being said I would have it checked out if your really serious about the truck. The 98 quad cab 4x4 are harder to find.

 

Were you moving or stopped? The 98 uses a CAD system so the transfer case has synchronizers to raise front axle speed to match the already turning rear axle prior to allowing the lever to slip into 4 HI. Depending one how long its been stationary and many other variables, such as wear and how much pressure your putting on the shift lever, the speeds may not be matched perfectly and the transfer case can exibit a noticible clunk or grind when the lever slips into 4 HI. Since you can only shift to 4 LO stopped this should not occur on that shift. Likewise 4HI to 2HI is a disengagement process so no clunk. There is no 2 LO position so I'm not sure what you meant there. Depending on miliage the rest of thoses items are normal. The automatic is the weak link. The transfer case is very problem free. IMHO Ken Irwin

PS Don't compare it to your Honda. Each cylinder makes more torque that your entire Honda engine.

 

Haha! Don't forget I added an intake to the Honda.. That adds at least 50 hp according to the people on the Honda forums...

Anyway, actually the truck was not moving when I engaged in 4HI. Everytime I switched between 4HI, 2, 4LO, the tranny was in neutral and the truck was not moving. I didn't jam it into 4HI either but I see what you're saying about the synchros. Maybe if I wiggled it in a little better it wouldn't have made that sound. But the truck only had 147k miles on it, so would parts already start wearing out??