Front axle (?) grinding noise

[rmartin]

I just recently purchased an 87 blazer with what i believe is a 6" lift and 36x12.5 superswampers. I drove the 200 miles home with no problems.
Drove it around for about a week and then all of the sudden I hear a grinding noise from what i believe is the drivers side front axle. It only happens on moderatly hard acceleration. Soft takeoffs does not produce this noise. As well it does not happen when the 4wd is engaged. I have a suspition it may be the factory locking hubs. Has anyone experienced this? If the hubs do need to be replaced, as from what I have read manual lockers are the way to go, is it a direct swap?

 

[noJeepshere]

When you shift out of 4wd, back up several feet fast to help the hubs unlock. It sounds like what you got is going bad, and GM auto hubs were known for their reliability Go with Superwinch or MileMarkers.

 

[rmartin]

Never thought of backing up fast. This is my first 4x4 and Chevy for that matter. Pretty much been a Ford man all my life.

Superwinch or Milemarker, what about Warn?

 

[78GMCJIMMY]

This is a no brainer!Get the Warn Premium Hubs.No question.

 

[jonathon]

I run Warn Premiums... seems most folks run them around here. I got a decent deal on mine, but I've found two sets in u-pull its for cheap. Good hub and easy to install Not to mention Warn is local to me..

 

[cdoggwsu]

I had the same thing when I got mine, but it turned out to be the balancing weights that were crimped on the inside of the wheels were rubbing on the tie rod ends.

 

[noJeepshere]

IMO Superwinch hubs are stronger. My opinion. I have WARN hubs on my 81 right now, new by what the PO said when I bought it, and one won't lock in all the way anymore, and pops under stress. My brother runs MileMarkers on all his rides and loves them. WARN is still good stuff, just my recommendations. Heck, they're all good!