Yeah, I agree the symptoms are a little contradictory...the rpm-noise thing suggest bearing, but the 4WD sticking doesn't, unless the lack of bearing is preventing the shift fork from moving properly...but as Sean says the bearing that usually goes out would affect the Hi/lo fork, not the 2WD/4WD fork.

I guess the other needle bearing on the front output could go out, though it is rarer because it is fully immersed in oil and therefore always well lubricated.

Steve Carlson - 95 Trooper LS expo rig
Serenity now!