Can I take the front drive shaft off of a auto 4x4 and still driv

May be the electronic control of the 4x4 has a problem. Remember that when in auto, the 4x4 wil only hook if necessary. Try going on bad roads to see if it works. The differential should probably work in 4x4. The electric motor for the transfer should also be checked. It is important to see if the cubes of every side at the front axe is lubricated.

you have wheel bearings failing
the random abs light is the rotor for the sensor touching the sensor head because the wheels are loose on the shaft

sounds like you blew the rear end have someone run it in 2wd while you watch the rear drive shaft if it spins and the truck doesn't move the rear end is blown

Remove the front drive shaft is the only way.

DONT DRIVE WITH OUT DRIVE SHAFT. JUST REPLACE THE UNIVERSAL JOINT BEARINGS ON DRIVE SHAFT.

you really need to replace them quick. it can cut into axle -spindle shaft-are do lot more damage that will cost lot more money being 4x4.

Are you under warranty? Make it the dealers problem if its eligible.

If the front hubs are grinding regardless of being in 2wheel or 4wheel drive it can be the hub bearings which turn regardless. If it grinds only when in 4x4 then the wheel shafts or differential or front driveshaft or transfer case is making the noise because all of these parts move when in 4wheel drive.

does it have a n pos on the 4x4 shift if not no! just remove front and rear shafts at the diffs and tie up the drive shafts then you can tow it

Try getting a free quote from several reputable shops before deciding to throw down your money on something your not certain of. Im not dissing your mechanic by any means, it doesnt cost anything to get another opinion or two or three....Its your money!

I have the same problem with my 94 explorer with a manual transmission, Just replaced the trans a month ago because of gear failure and now It's slipping out of gear when the engine isn't under load aka Coasting, was Told By a Really good Trans Guy that this is a failure in the Linkage in the transfer case am about to tear into mine tho It's way over my technical ability but will repost here after I get it torn apart with potential prices for worn parts for the do it yourselfer, And Has to be the issue I hope because the gears in the transmission are in pristine condition the other reason for suspecting the transfer case is that when my trans is slipping and making that weird Rattle Clatter sound coming from the trans if I put it in 4x4 low it drives great even tho the front wheels aren't pulling since I have the front drive shaft off at the moment,, Well Here goes Nothing Wish me luck on this teardown gonna need it..