i have recently noticed that when only the 4 wheel drive is engaged that the front end makes a popping sound and feels like it is hopping when i turn to the right or left. Was wondering what could cause this problem.

What kind of a surface are you trying this on? If it if a dry or just wet surface that would be normal.

Sounds like driveline binding up.  This is normal on a hard surface road or very dry conditions in which all four tires get good traction.  If not this, the next suspect would be front axle u-joints are worn and very sloppy.  When I 4WD, you should always try to make any turns as shallow and gradual as possible to limit driveline binding especially on a paved surface. 

this is taking place on soft surface and the turns are shallow.  I will check the u-joints thanks for the info.

I have limited slip axles & any turn except on something really slippery will cause the driveline to bind up...  and unable to get it out of 4High then.  have to reverse the maneuver to unstess the binding to shift the transfer case.  In some cases it will hop like a bunny! 

i just had this same thing ended up have front drive line built for 515 got one twice the tube size and twice the joints. My double u joint part came apart for the 3rd time. This time it was not fixable. But i would take you front out and have a shop check it then if that not it go to the outer u joints. I had to replace mine because under hard turns mine truck would pop and jump because they were binding up.

Sounds normal, and its an indication there is too much traction for the 4wd and without slippage it will bind and pop.

 

A pop/clunk without a hop could mean u-joint, but the hop is telling me it's binding.

Sounds normal, and its an indication there is too much traction for the 4wd and without slippage it will bind and pop.

 

A pop/clunk without a hop could mean u-joint, but the hop is telling me it's binding.

 

I've read where a pop or clunk that can be felt from the front of the truck can also be the sway bar end links.  It happens occasionally on my truck, and I cannot figure how the end links could be the cause.

I've read where a pop or clunk that can be felt from the front of the truck can also be the sway bar end links.  It happens occasionally on my truck, and I cannot figure how the end links could be the cause.

Would that be all the time or only in 4WD? Seems like if that were the cause you would be able to feel it all the time, not just in 4WD.

Would that be all the time or only in 4WD? Seems like if that were the cause you would be able to feel it all the time, not just in 4WD.

 

This is a 2wd thing in my truck……………..and usually turning…………..thru a gutter or thru an expansion joint onto a road or street. Not a regular occurrence, but enough for me to take notice.   All low speed occurrences too.