Did anyone suggest taking all 4 tires off the ground (with 4 jackstands) and running the truck ? You'd be able to "feel" which sector of the truck doesn't appear to want to move or not, I would think.

 

That's a good idea too.

I just had to do that to the rear of my truck to pinpoint a shake I was getting. Turned out being a ujoint going bad and my driveshaft looked like spaghetti wobbling all over the place.

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Great idea NJTman, and I did try that. With engine off and transfer in neutral the rear moved fine (obviously some driveline resistance). In 4H not able to manually turn wheels. Started engine and everything moves fine (2 or 4). Did notice after long, long highway blast that transfer case, driveline section near it and rear diff were very hot to the touch. Normal? (fluids all fresh and maintained regularly).

 

When in 4H did you have the transmission in neutral?

I would try it with the engine running.

 

That's what I meant.. up on stands and running. With a laser type thermometer you can easily tell what the temperatures are up and down the truck without touching anything. I bought my Ryobi from HD, and it works pretty good. Done this a few times, myself, and it seems to help diagnose driveline issues relatively quickly.

 

So tried a test this last road trip. After getting back from an extended highway drive 400+ miles in 90 degree temps. I took my new laser temp thingy and here are the readings in degrees F:
Rear drums: 100
Reaf Diff: 107
Carrier bearing: 86
Transfer: 130
Trans pan: 140
Engine pan: 140

I guess everything is within normal range?

 

Yup, temps look fine.