Loose or clanking rear driveshaft / differential

iKrea

iKrea

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So I Just bought this jeepp for 2k CAD it was super clean Original owner no mods all OEM, got a crazy got deal on it for the condition, I was able to drive it home today but while driving I would notice that when I would let go of the accelerator there would be a sort of clanking/smacking sound coming from the rear, I own another TJ so I looked for the first possiblle issues which would be transfer case bearings or the rear diff bearings and or the U Joints, everything seemed to look fine and when having lifted the rear and moving the rear driveshaft side to side, there is a LOT of a play which I feel like this is what was causing the smacking/clanking sound when I would let go of the accelerator and since there would be no force on the rear shaft it would go loose and kinda smack around. I just really can't figure out or pinpoint what exactly to replace or to change nor what to look for. heres the video link
 
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iKrea said:
So I Just bought this jeepp for 2k CAD it was super clean Original owner no mods all OEM, got a crazy got deal on it for the condition, I was able to drive it home today but while driving I would notice that when I would let go of the accelerator there would be a sort of clanking/smacking sound coming from the rear, I own another TJ so I looked for the first possiblle issues which would be transfer case bearings or the rear diff bearings and or the U Joints, everything seemed to look fine and when having lifted the rear and moving the rear driveshaft side to side, there is a LOT of a play which I feel like this is what was causing the smacking/clanking sound when I would let go of the accelerator and since there would be no force on the rear shaft it would go loose and kinda smack around. I just really can't figure out or pinpoint what exactly to replace or to change nor what to look for.
Click to expand...

Remove the rear driveshaft from the diff yoke. See if the yoke has ANY in/out or side to side play. If it does, it's probably in need of repair. Slight, but not excessive, rotation is normal. Check the driveshaft U-joints while you're at it.
 
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iKrea said:
So I Just bought this jeepp for 2k CAD it was super clean Original owner no mods all OEM, got a crazy got deal on it for the condition, I was able to drive it home today but while driving I would notice that when I would let go of the accelerator there would be a sort of clanking/smacking sound coming from the rear, I own another TJ so I looked for the first possiblle issues which would be transfer case bearings or the rear diff bearings and or the U Joints, everything seemed to look fine and when having lifted the rear and moving the rear driveshaft side to side, there is a LOT of a play which I feel like this is what was causing the smacking/clanking sound when I would let go of the accelerator and since there would be no force on the rear shaft it would go loose and kinda smack around. I just really can't figure out or pinpoint what exactly to replace or to change nor what to look for. heres the video link
Click to expand...

That video clearly shows the yoke going in and out which is not good. That differential will need to be rebuilt. If it's a Dana 44, it would be worth it to rebuild it. if it's a Dana 35, it might be easier to find a used one.
 
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hosejockey61 said:
That video clearly shows the yoke going in and out which is not good. That differential will need to be rebuilt. If it's a Dana 44, it would be worth it to rebuild it. if it's a Dana 35, it might be easier to find a used one.
Click to expand...

Okay, it is a Dana 35, are you saying that diff NEEDS to be rebuilt or Id eventually have to rebuild it, I can check the rear shaft and the u joints. Would it be fine if I replaced the Yolk and the joints?
 
iKrea said:
Okay, it is a Dana 35, are you saying that diff NEEDS to be rebuilt or Id eventually have to rebuild it, I can check the rear shaft and the u joints. Would it be fine if I replaced the Yolk and the joints?
Click to expand...

You need to fix it now. You have no pinion bearings left and the ring and pinion are are going to be wiped as well.
 
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so would it be chill If I got a new bearings set for the factory 35? and replace all the bearings, I was thinking of getting this https://www.extremeterrain.com/crow...xle-differential-overhaul-kit-9006-yj-tj.html im not planning on driving the car anytime soon, I have until september to rebuild the whole thing for Madagascar, deciding between 4" or 6" lift kit with 35" tires maybe a super 35 kit 27 spline since I dont wanna add lockers on the rear, too much money and prolly wont need it
 
iKrea said:
so would it be chill If I got a new bearings set for the factory 35? and replace all the bearings, I was thinking of getting this https://www.extremeterrain.com/crow...xle-differential-overhaul-kit-9006-yj-tj.html im not planning on driving the car anytime soon, I have until september to rebuild the whole thing for Madagascar, deciding between 4" or 6" lift kit with 35" tires maybe a super 35 kit 27 spline since I dont wanna add lockers on the rear, too much money and prolly wont need it
Click to expand...

If you drain the differential gear lube; you more than likely will find a lot of metal particles in the gear lube.
The pinion bearing definitely requires replacement and more than likely the ring and pinion are in need of replacement too.
IF you have never rebuilt a rear differential and experienced with set up; I would suggest you locate a shop with mechanics experienced in differential work.
Attempting this type of repair requires experience otherwise the rear differential ring and pinion will wear out quickly.
 
Although... it's a second Jeep and Dana 35 parts are reasonably cheap...so if there was ever a time to learn how to do this...well... here's a perfect opportunity.

I'd check out the BFG channel on YouTube. Excellent videos detailing the necessary steps and tools you'll need. Watch those before making a decision on what you're doing.

Open that Dana 35 up and get a really damn good look at it. Ring and pinion. Carrier bearings (make sure you know which cap goes on which side and what side was up.) Pound out the pinion race with a brass punch. (Don't lose the shim.)

Lots of pictures will help us help you...

-Mac
 
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macleanflood said:
Although... it's a second Jeep and Dana 35 parts are reasonably cheap...so if there was ever a time to learn how to do this...well... here's a perfect opportunity.

I'd check out the BFG channel on YouTube. Excellent videos detailing the necessary steps and tools you'll need. Watch those before making a decision on what you're doing.

Open that Dana 35 up and get a really damn good look at it. Ring and pinion. Carrier bearings (make sure you know which cap goes on which side and what side was up.) Pound out the pinion race with a brass punch. (Don't lose the shim.)

Lots of pictures will help us help you...

-Mac
Click to expand...

I’ll take it apart when im off work asap
 
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