Bronco knocking when engaged in 4X4
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Bronco knocking when engaged in 4X4
I have a 1989 full size bronco with a 351 and C6 trans. When I got it the rear end was out and you could only move it with the front wheels engaged. It made a little noise but I saw that it needed a U-joint so I didn't worry. I swapped out the rear end( and yes it was the right ratio) and fixed the U-joints and now it makes a knocking sound when it's under pressure in 4 wheel drive. It sounds like its coming from the driver side. I swapped out the manual hub with one that I knew was good and no change. I took the driver side axle out and checked the spines, the u-joint, and the wheel bearings. All where good. It only does this when the transfer case is engaged and the hubs are locked. I can unlock either one of the hubs and the sound stops. I need some thoughts. Any help would be appreciated.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
If the PO managed to break the rear axle it's entirely possible he also damaged something in the front at the same time, I'd suspect a chipped tooth on one of the gears in the front diff or a broken spider gear, etc.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
I would try to isolate the noise more. Drive it at low speeds and see if it still makes the noise. You should be able to pinpoint it better. How do you know the ratios are the same? Are you relying on the door sticker or axle tag on the donor being correct? Or did you physically count the ring and pinion teeth?
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1.I have considered that they damaged it during the time that the rear end was out and they were driving it with the front end.
2.The ring gear in the rear was chewed to hell and back when I got it. I have not looked inside the inspection plate in the front end. When I changed the rear end out I counted the teeth and made sure that the rear end I replaced it with was correct. I think it had 3.55 gears.
3. I've tried to isolate the noise and it sounds like it's coming from the front driver side. If it were in the t-case the sound should come from under the seat. I have had the complete driver side apart and everything looks good. I've had the axle out and the spines look good. The U-joint is not in a bind and I can't find anywhere that the shaft is hitting anything.
I guess the next thing the check is the front diff.
2.The ring gear in the rear was chewed to hell and back when I got it. I have not looked inside the inspection plate in the front end. When I changed the rear end out I counted the teeth and made sure that the rear end I replaced it with was correct. I think it had 3.55 gears.
3. I've tried to isolate the noise and it sounds like it's coming from the front driver side. If it were in the t-case the sound should come from under the seat. I have had the complete driver side apart and everything looks good. I've had the axle out and the spines look good. The U-joint is not in a bind and I can't find anywhere that the shaft is hitting anything.
I guess the next thing the check is the front diff.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
2.The ring gear in the rear was chewed to hell and back when I got it. I have not looked inside the inspection plate in the front end. When I changed the rear end out I counted the teeth and made sure that the rear end I replaced it with was correct. I think it had 3.55 gears.
3. I've tried to isolate the noise and it sounds like it's coming from the front driver side. If it were in the t-case the sound should come from under the seat. I have had the complete driver side apart and everything looks good. I've had the axle out and the spines look good. The U-joint is not in a bind and I can't find anywhere that the shaft is hitting anything.
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I can spin the shaft and everything feels good. However, I might could jack the front end up and turn it all with the hubs locked and this might tell me if the problem is in the front diff.
And yes I know the rule is that you assume nothing, but with all the information I have on the bronco, I'm very certain that the front and rear are factory.
And yes I know the rule is that you assume nothing, but with all the information I have on the bronco, I'm very certain that the front and rear are factory.
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I drove the bronco the other day and stuck my head out the window to take a look at the front wheel. When it pops the front wheel snaps from side to side. The problem has got to be in the front driver side wheel.
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