I have a 93 Montero Sport onto which was placed a larger tire. Not knowing the tire was larger, I drove over a mountain pass in the vehicle. I took it in because it began to smoke. I was told the differential was damaged, so knowing I was short on money, my mechanic suggested removing the front axle.

Today, while driving it, it made a spinning sound briefly. As I began moving through an intersection following a complete stop, the car would not move. This was accompanied by that spinning sound again. However, when I shifted into 4-wheel drive, the car operated just fine. Anyone know what the problem could be?

 

Do you mean you had a single tire that was different from the remaining 3? In that case a busted differential is very likely.

 

Well the differential problem was overcome by removing the front axle. But now it's like the transmission is not engaging, unless I drive it in 4-wheel drive. Then it drives smoothly. All the symptoms and noises sound like this Montego:



Thanks for your help.

 

Wow, that is gnarly sound.
It's seems pretty straight forward issue - if your truck is in Drive with drive shaft spinning but truck not moving - means your differential is destroyed. Most likely teeth are stripped from one or several gears in the differential and that allows the driveshaft to rotate freely. The reason you "CAN" drive in 4wd, is that you really now have a Front Wheel Drive vehicle. The solution of removing the axle is a short term patch. Something you'd do to get home from the mountain trail or something like that.
Personally, if it was my truck, I'd park it and not drive it until repairs are done. I know you said you are short on $$, but trust me fixing one differential is less expensive than repairing two of them as well as the transfer case.
You made mistake with the tires, do not aggravate the problems by continuing to drive this vehicle.