Noisy front Dana 44 spider gears

[OctaviousMonk]

I found the source of the ratcheting noise coming from my front Dana 44 and it is the spider gears. They look clean and have no real wear or damage visible. What can I do about it, or should I just ride it like that?
This is the sound when assembled

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Wow that's bad sounding, you're certain it's the spider gears and not the u-joints? If it is the spider gears they're not hard to replace and no gear setup is required for them.

 

[OctaviousMonk]

they are brand new u joints. It’s making the same sound with the dif on my bench. It’s a rubicon Dana 44 so I don’t believe it’s serviceable.

 

[OctaviousMonk]

this is the sound while on my bench

 

[Jerry Bransford]

they are brand new u joints. It’s making the same sound with the dif on my bench. It’s a rubicon Dana 44 so I don’t believe it’s serviceable.

Oh yeah that makes a difference, the spiders are not replaceable for a Rubicon locker. The only thing that sound reminds me of is if the locker was partially engaged but that would normally only be caused if the actuator was pushing against it, which could be caused by the sensor if it's wedged up against it. But you have already check that so....

 

[lolothejeeper]

Hi @OctaviousMonk !
I know it's been a long time but I have the exact same problem Did you find a solution ?

 

[OctaviousMonk]

Nope. I just built it as is and have been running it since. It’s not a daily driver so it hasn’t been many miles, but nothing has come of it yet.

 

[lolothejeeper]

Nope. I just built it as is and have been running it since. It’s not a daily driver so it hasn’t been many miles, but nothing has come of it yet.

Thank you so much for your answer. I guess I'll do the same

 

[Rickyd]

Mine are noisy too. I figured I'd just run it until I get arbs. Hopefully before it dies

 

[lolothejeeper]

Mine are noisy too. I figured I'd just run it until I get arbs. Hopefully before it dies