1997 2500, had it in 4x4 for a few days since the roads have been horrible. Parked the truck the other night, started it the following morning and started out of my driveway and there was a loud clank and some rattling going on, so I stopped and took it out of 4x4 and drove it to a shop. I got there, and saw smoke - I think smoke - coming from the front end. I got out and there was smoke coming out the end of the axle tubes. I waited, and it quit. I put it back in 4x4 for the heck of it, and everything was working. Has been working the last few days, no more noise, and the 4x4 is def. working. Any thoughts?

 

not right off hand but it would prolly be a good idea to drop the diff cover and take a look just to be sure. if you find nothing you're only out a few quarts of gear oil.