[lee88]

Pulled my rear diff as i kept getting a real bad clonk clonk clonk noise(only sometimes though) when i'm climbing up rocks with my front end pointing upwards.
It didn't always make the noise depended on the situation i guess. i couldn't replicate the noise but my rear diff was pretty noisy so i thought ill pull it out just to check anyways as my uni's seemed fine with no play.

The diff shop said my diff is toast and can't be rebuilt, and that he was surprised that it had not already broken or started to leak..
(It drove fine on and off road normal driving only got noises in the above situation)
The backlash had quite a bit of play in it when i pulled it out is it possible hes just pulling my leg so he could keep my diff or something? (the gears did look pretty warn though but i didnt think it wouldn't be able to be rebuilt)


Also found out my rear drivers side axle is twisted about half way along the spline (not running a locker or anything)

Should i replace it or is it safe to keep using? should i replace both at the same time?
Pic below:



Cheers

[Fatzook]

That is normal wear. I've seen much much worse that was still being driven on.

The noise could be backlash in the diff centre, a worn uni joint, worn drive shaft splines, slack in the transfer case, etc etc.

[lee88]

So i take it that means i shouldn't bother replacing the axle?

Cheers

[BlueSuzy]

You can replace it, but it will do the same.

What tyres you running on it?

[lee88]

Im running 31" muddies

Will reduction gears prevent me from twisting axles or cause me to twist more?
(i just installed these recently along with a bearing kit through both my transfer and gearbox, and everything inside looked fine to my untrained eyes haha)

Atm I'm thinking that the diff was a separate problem and the clunk clunk clunk when rock climbing(only happens in certain situations) is either my driveshaft hitting my exhaust or my clutch has broken a spring or something? (silly me didn't touch the clutch when i had the gearbox out but ive previously installed an Exedy HD)

[SierraDan]

Backlash or uni or whatever with those tyres and no gearing would have done that.
Gearing and lockers makes them twist too but I never had an issue on 31's.