1994 New Truck/ Tranmission/Transfer case grinding

[Chameleoncamo]

Just bought a new to me FZJ80 1994 with no lockers. Have always wanted one and one with a tranny issue that was too good to pass up on.

The previous owner stated the tranny shop told him it was a bad actuator.

Not that i don't believe him but he wasn't the most knowledgeable owner and didn't remember what shop he took it too and really just didn't sound sure.

Diagnostic: I ran a few test with the truck

in 4H it grinds loudly when put in any gear besides P/N. Dash lights follow the gear selector really well
in 4L it does the exact same thing as above

threw a paperclip in for diagnostic and no error codes came up

The weird part, when you engage the cdl the car operates as normal with no noise what so ever. Not a peep! really baffling

I've been reading and tearing this forum and google apart. Really looking for ideas and suggestions as it seems these transmission are insanely tough and their isn't a whole out there to read. I'm a little stumped as searching the website hasn't really turned up a similar issue

 

[Chameleoncamo]

Pic!!! Cause its mine lol

 

[Alleycats]

I'm going to call it right now, your issue is a stripped front drive flange.

 

[Chameleoncamo]

I'm going to call it, your issue is a stripped front drive flange.

Have you replaced one? Anyway to isolate that issue directly to test or troubleshoot for it? How difficult is it to replace? 1h or day?

 

[Alleycats]

Pretty easy to replace actually once you determine thats your issue. The early 80 series had weaker drive flanges. First you need to orient yourself to where the drive flanges are. Then pop the little caps off and inspect for metal shavings. To replace it probably would take 1/2 an hour if your have the part, super easy.

 

[ewillis]

X2...pop the front wheels off and give it a look. If your rig was built in April or prior, it may have the thinner drive plates.

 

[Chameleoncamo]

I will totally do this! Thanks guys! Question about the grinding. It sounds like its coming from bell housing of the tranny, not the floor boards but in that all around general issue. How bad can they sound if they are out?

 

[Alleycats]

Could also be a companion flange on the front diff.

 

[Chameleoncamo]

hmmmm. Looking up part numbers to visualize where this is located lol I'm really anxious and half tempted to haul my ass in the dark and get to work with a flashlight lol. Been looking for a 80 for about 2 years

 

[inkpot]

See the little round dome shaped steel cap in the middle of your front wheels? Use a small screwdriver and pry them both off. Start car, turn off CDL and have someone watch the shaft in the center while you put it in drive.

 

[Chameleoncamo]

See the little round dome shaped steel cap in the middle of your front wheels? Use a small screwdriver and pry them both off. Start car, turn off CDL and have someone watch the shaft in the center while you put it in drive.

assuming then if they spin and the truck doesn't move they are broken!

 

[inkpot]

Yup! Pretty common failure.

 

[Chameleoncamo]

Yup! Pretty common failure.

out of curiosity i walked oustide to give it a gander (didnt take the caps off doing that on saturday). Would this failure give you a sense or feeling that the drive gears(r/d/2/L) didn't engage?

 

[Alleycats]

Yup, thats right.

 

[Chameleoncamo]

Yup, thats right.

well hopefully its good news and easy fix! if it is i lucked out!

 

[Alleycats]

 

[Alleycats]

 

[Alleycats]

 

[Chameleoncamo]

you guys rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ill update you asap! with pics, people like broken s***

 

[Chameleoncamo]

I'm going to call it right now, your issue is a stripped front drive flange.

DING DING DING DING DING!!!! s*** is broke as hell. I was a little nervous to leave it in drive while i was checking it out! The thing HOWLS like crazy. While I'm assuming its a good idea to do both side of the front when you do this! While I'm in there replacing this flange is there anything else I should inspect/clean/lube/replace?? Also I've seen in past post members buying from vendors! would love to throw support there way who is the guy or guys to go to?