I have just started to have this problem or what I think is a problem. When the electronic rear axle is locked and in icy conditions I am getting clunking sounds out of the rear end sometimes. Sorry its hard to explain but it sounds like it is slipping in and out of engagement. Sometimes it works fine or what I think is fine and locks both wheels together and I get no sound at all. I switched off the traction control thinking that the sounds I was hearing were a result if it kicking in but this didn't change the sounds the rear diff is making. Has anyone else had this issue?

 

What you possibly might be hearing is the skipping that happens when a posi rear end tries to turn. After locking the rear you will experience a sort of hop when turning. Have you tried to use 4 wheel auto and see if the same condition exists?

 

Sorry its not a "Posi" or what others refer to as a Limited Slip rear end. It is the electronic locking differential that is now an option on the certain trucks. My truck also does not have the Auto 4wd option. I am not turning when this happens and I have just taken it into the dealer this morning and they agree that there is a problem. I just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this.

 

I have read that when you turn off traction control it does not turn off the braking traction control. Like if you have it in regular 2wd and one wheel slips it puts brake to that wheel and the other spins. I personally hate the system even though I know it helps because it makes the truck jumpy. I live in alaska so we already have pretty much permanent ice on some of the less/not maintained roads. Taking off from a stop sign i can feel power switching back and forth between the back tires and it is annoying. Only way I have seen to get around it is to go over half throttle and just spin both tires fast, and that is not good for ice. Even if you hold the button for 5 sec and turn off all the stuff it still does not turn that function off.

I would not think this would be your problem since you can lock the rear in 2wd(i cant because mine is a 2011) but you never know it might be bugging out even with it locked.

 

What Valium is referring to will occur on any differential when the wheels are locked together. If you're turning, either one tire has to slip or you will encounter wheel hop. That could well translate into a "clunking" in the cab.

 

This is happening while going straight with the wheels losing traction.

 

After locking the rear you will experience a sort of hop when turning.

 

It's pretty rare that you're really going "straight". Minor imperfections in the road, etc. all can translate into the two wheels trying to move at slightly different rates. Not saying that's really the issue, but it is a possibility.

 

Well the dealer ordered a new E-Locker assembly and is admitting that this noise is not normal. I will update this once it has been installed and see if the problem is fixed. Thanks for the replys.

 

Unlike several other people, I realize you're not a stupid moron and you can tell the difference between tire scuffing and a "clunk" noise. Appears that your dealer is on top of the issue already. Good luck.

 

i tried to rep ya, but i'm in rep jail ....

glad someone said what I was thinking

 

Um...oooook. I had no thoughts of that.

 

So what ever come from this?