4x4 not working, front end LOUD?

[bluerunner]

need some help with dads taco. sorry, if this is a stupid question, just dont know much at all about tacoma's

98 4x4 3.4, 5speed, TRD, 140K

the 4wd will not work, the transfer case is going into 4wd and 4low just fine, the front drive shaft turns, but something isnt locking up in the front.

Something in the front is loud as hell in 2wd just dd around town, it sounds like he is running boggers but he has bfg a/t's. the sound is something that is rotating bc it gets louder with speed. also, he just took it in for an alignment and the shop says the rack and pinion is fawked, is this normal for a DD that sees little off-road? what should i look into replacing?
d44 and call it done ?

[TacoStewie]

check the CV axles. you could have gotten a hole in the boots which could cause them to go out.

[Black01taco]

Originally Posted by TacoStewie

check the CV axles. you could have gotten a hole in the boots which could cause them to go out.

Yeah check that, your CVs may just be done. Do they "Click" when turning? If not It may be the Ring and Pinion, But the R&P should not be already fuck on a 98'. But yeah I had to already replace my Rack and Pinion Steering on my 01 4door, and it was fucking expensive. Most shops look for that problem because its a quick fix for big bucks......If you know how to turn a wrench you should just buy a generic replacement Rackandpinion and install it yourself and then take it to an aliment shop.....

PS:It may be the Auto Locking Hubs...They may be stuck in the lock position or broken, there for not allowing the tires to receive power from the T-Case...

[bosco]

I would be willing to bet that the noise is wheel bearings. My 01 DC was loud as crap on the road and it has plain ol' steet tires. Finally got around to getting it checked out for real and the pass bearing was shot, needed a new tie rod and the steering boot. Expensice as crap to get done but I spend enough time wrenching on my 85 runner.