1990 Bronco Rear end problem

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Jan 13, 2009 | 01:14 PM

fluids21

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From: Fort Myers, FL

1990 Bronco Rear end problem

My Bronco has 200,000+ miles on it. I have some clunking noises when shifting into reverse. I checked the drive shaft and noticed quite a bit of play where the shaft hooks to the rear differential. There is no fluid leakage but the bearing or something in there is going out. Can anyone help me with this?

Jan 13, 2009 | 01:19 PM

andym

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From: Bonita Springs FL

The pinion nut has probably backed off. You might get away with just tightening it down, but if the bearings are damaged you will need to replace a few things. If it doesn't leak oil that's a good sign, but get it tightened back up before it causes a problem. A haynes manual or shop manual will give you the exact torque spec for the nut, but it's a lot. Use some loc-tite when you put it back on so it won't back off again.

Jan 13, 2009 | 01:52 PM

fluids21

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From: Fort Myers, FL

Thanks Andy. I hope that's all it is. My manual say 160 lbs for the Ford 8.8 and 250 lbs for the dana. I need to figure out which axle I got. My axle code on the door is 19. Thanks again.

Jan 13, 2009 | 03:41 PM

Kemicalburns

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From: Bend,OR

all broncos from 84-96 came with the 8.8

Jan 13, 2009 | 07:32 PM

fluids21

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From: Fort Myers, FL

Ok, thanks kemical

Jan 14, 2009 | 10:38 AM

NWBronco

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From: Olympia USA

Take a look for the diff tag. You may have a worn out Limited slip diff. They will clunk a bit once the clutches are gone.

The diff tag, if still there, will show the ration broken up with an 'L' like, 3 L 55. This would be a limited slip 3.55 gear ratio diff.

It could still be a loose pinion nut. All worth checking.

Jan 15, 2009 | 04:01 PM

fluids21

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From: Fort Myers, FL

I dropped the driveshaft today and Andy was right. The pinion nut had backed off. I tightened it to 160 lbs with some loc tite and it's good as new. Thanks again.