1974 FJ40 Rear Axle Binding Noise (3 Viewers)

[DaveyB]

Hey all, recently I restored a non-running 1974 FJ40 back to its glory. I’ve been working out some bugs as it’s back out on the road and driving. I’ve come into a situation where the rear axle seems to be binding? I get a metallic noise and a slight pop. It doesn’t seem to be a problem as I’m accelerating, just mostly coasting or even rolling the Land Cruiser back and forth in the garage. I’m about 80% sure it’s the rear differential. It could have been messed with in the past before I picked it up. Is there anything specifically I should check on the rear diff? Thank you all.

Also included a before and after. I was pretty meticulous in this restore. I did not however get into the differential itself (besides oil drain and refresh).

 

[bhsdriller]

put the rear on jackstands and have someone turn the wheels while you listen and try to pin point it

 

[brian]

Pop the cover

 

[Mark Jennings]

I sooner think a rear axel wheel bearing or a rear drum dragging, differentials don’t pop or click, they have tendency to rumble…get louder as speed picks up…..unless you have a ‘lunch box’ locker, then it’ll pop every time you make a sharp turn

 

[DaveyB]

I sooner think a rear axel wheel bearing or a rear drum dragging, differentials don’t pop or click, they have tendency to rumble…get louder as speed picks up…..unless you have a ‘lunch box’ locker, then it’ll pop every time you make a sharp turn

Hah! No lunch box locker… it’s not a welcoming pop. More of a concerning-binding pop.

I’ll get it up on jack stands, disconnect the driveline, and see what happens. TBD