differential trouble? (1 Viewer)

[Scubadoc]

I changed my tires on my 1982 Aussie BJ42 LX RHD from 235s to 265s and now when I turn left at about 20 mphs, I hear a grinding noise from the front of the rig. It sounds like it is coming from the center in the transmission tunnel or right wheel well. It is worse if I am leaning to the right on a turn or on a bumpy road. I never heard it before the tire size change. I replaced the door weatherstripping, and now it is very noticeable, since the truck is much quieter without the doors rattling. No noise turning right. I can't find any contact between the tires and the frame or steering components, but they are close at rest with the steering fully deflected.

Thoughts? Is this classic for a differential issue?

 

[Fast Eddy]

Tire hitting the drag link end?

 

[Scubadoc]

I don't see any evidence of the tire rubbing anywhere, but I am a newbie and will confess I don't know what a drag link is. Also, I checked the diff oil level and had it changed a few months ago. The level seemed fine, and no obvious metal in it.

 

[shawnfj40]

My guess is the tires are hitting your leaf springs

 

[Fast Eddy]

I don't see any evidence of the tire rubbing anywhere, but I am a newbie and will confess I don't know what a drag link is.

The drag link is the first tie rod, coming off the steering box, going forward and connecting to the center arm. This pic is a LHD, but you get the idea.

Technically the drag link end is connected to the steering box. The front end is just a normal tie rod end.

 

[shawnfj40]

BTW differentials do not usually care if you are turning left or right. If they are going to make noises they will always do it. Turn you wheels all the way to the left while the front axle is off the ground. Rotate your wheels (both) and see if there is contact somewhere.

 

[honk]

It's pretty much got to be a result of the tire upsize.

See about a little bit of steering stop adjustment if you don't have worn steering components. If everything is tight and good then your noise should be a ten minute fix.

 

[Scubadoc]

Well, I jacked the whole truck up and still no contact, albeit close( around 1/4 inch) I then put chalk on the inside of the tire and took a quick spin. There was the tiniest amount of transfer to the drag link tie rod end ( thanks for the education). So, there is only contact with sway or leaning around a corner. Remedies?

 

[sggoat]

Well, I jacked the whole truck up and still no contact, albeit close( around 1/4 inch) I then put chalk on the inside of the tire and took a quick spin. There was the tiniest amount of transfer to the drag link tie rod end ( thanks for the education). So, there is only contact with sway or leaning around a corner. Remedies?

Maybe tire downsize? not educated enough to offer anything else.

 

[Scubadoc]

Visually, this size is much better. The 235s looked wimpy. These really aren't big tires. Maybe better shocks?

 

[Pin_Head]

Just adjust the steering stops on your knuckle so it won't rub. This will decrease your turning radius slightly, but so will avoiding the rubbing.

 

[Scubadoc]

Finally found the issue, the rear end of my steering ?drag link near the Pittman arm is coming into contact with my exhaust. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

Thanks

 

[Pin_Head]

1. Reroute your exhaust to clear.
2. Adjust your knuckle steering stops to restrict steering travel.

 

[shawnfj40]

Check your motor mounts and make sure that a flattened mount hasn't let your motor/trany drop a bit.

 

[Tysano]

Route the exhaust inside th frame like it is supposed to be ??

 

[Scubadoc]

During delivery from Oz, the rig suffered some minor damage from a forklift, mainly near the muffler. I wonder if it pushed the exhaust pipe a little forward. I don't have welding or exhaust skills yet, and don't want to restrict the steering that much. Looks like I will have to just deal with the noise.

I want to just "dent" the exhaust in a little in the area so there isn't contact. Bad idea?

This is a sunny day driver, by no means a show truck... Just don't want to do something dumb.

 

[brian]

Route the exhaust inside th frame like it is supposed to be ??

pretty sure bjs jump the frame like that....what with the drive shafts on that side and all.

 

[diogenese]

I'd adjust the steering lock stops on the hub to restrict the movement like Pinhead has been telling you.
it's the dome headed bolt that hits on the u shaped extensions on the axle, make them hit sooner to limit the travel.

 

[shawnfj40]

That kind of looks like the collector on a header.

 

[bikersmurf]

You could shorten that rod a bit, and lengthen the one on the other side of the bel crank to recenter the wheel... Perhaps also a bit o ball peen massage could also help.