First off sorry about the length of this question, I feel the more info the better for who ever is gonna answer it.
On 9/30/13 - I had to have my front differential rebuilt, the ring & pinion and some bearings were replaced by a local shop. That shop was the one's who diagnosed the problem. The noise I was hearing was now gone.

Today(10/15/13) I used my 4WD, and I heared some grinding, not loud grinding though. I heard it when I 1st started moving straight a llittle, then when I made a turn in the city around a block I could hear the noise a little louder and then the steering became a little hard until I stopped turning and corrected the turning back to being straight.

What could be wrong? Is this noise normal, I beleive it is not??? Could it be the parts that were replaced since I had to have the ring & pinion and bearings replaced.

Any help is appreciated? I'm not a pro when it comes to this stuff on my truck, I know some stuff but not a lot.

Thanks in advance for your help.

2003 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L Auto 4x4. 112K miles.

When you're in 4wd it will be harder to turn like you described when on pavement - Using 4wd on dry pavement isn't a good thing.

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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

maybe I'm wrong, but before I had the parts replaced, when I had 4WD engaged I never heard the described noises. Is it still normal though?

Depending on how loud the noises are - they might not be normal. But the stiff steering when going slow & turning is.

Sort of hard to diagnose noise without hearing it in person. I would bring it back to where you had the work done & have them check it out.

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Curent 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 owner - Build Thread for her: Logan's 2003 Mach 1

Former 2003 Ford Ranger owner - Build Thread for her: Project Budget Buster

Grinding noise while turning is classic sign of worn out (or loose) front wheel bearings, or else your 4x4 hubs misbehaving. Eg, The grinding of the axle-shaft splines making inappropriate contact with the hubs.

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1997 4x4 Mazda B4000 SE, Ext.Cab

I recently had the right and left front wheel bearing hub assembly's replaced. So there are like new and I got the better quality ones.

why were you using 4wd on dry pavement? that is asking to break stuff

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2017 Ford Fiesta ST
2014 Ford Escape Titanium Ecoboost AWD

Well like i stated in my 1st opening thread, I just recently had the front differential rebuilt, and wanted to make sure the 4WD was working without issues before we get snow here.