03 Expedition 4WD Grinding when Active

[Machoflybird]

I am trying to figure out a problem with my 4wd system. When I switch into 4awd or 4 Hi there is a loud cluck and a grinding for just a sec until it engages. There is also a low groaning noise when being driven 4hi. The groaning gets louder when I accelerate. I also feel the steering gets very floatie almost unstable. I have put the vehicle up off the ground and check to see if the IWE are engaging and they are. The IWE solenoid is working properly too. I don't hear the groaning noise when the vehicle is off the ground and the tires are spinning freely. When I put resistance on the front left tire it seem to stop. When I do the same to the right side, I need to apply more resistance to get the tire to stop. I don't know if this is normal. I also notice a slight clicking noise on the right side. This all started after a snow storm a couple of weeks ago on my way to work a Check Trac control light came on when I engaged the 4wd system.
Could one of the IWE Acutators still be bad?
Could It be a wheel hub bearing?
Could it be that there is the spare tire on the left front that is causing the front diff problems? Both front tires have like new tread.

Please Help this problem is Driving me crazy!

 

[stilbo]

Bump...
Anyone ever get back to you?
Did you resolve the problem?
My '03 EB just started doing the exact same thing.

 

[mindgame]

I would replace the IWE solenoid, even if it seems okay at idle.. It's approx $30.

If problem persist, then check the each Hub Actuator with a vacuum pump. Remove the 2 thin tubes and attach a vacuum pump to the larger of the 2 inlets. Pump to -25psi.. if there is a leak, bad actuator. If vacuum holds..

Remove the halfshafts and clean the actuator's gear and replace..