Front axle/diff/driveshaft grinding (1 Viewer)

[Malleus]

Did all 93s get the viscous coupler?

If either driveshaft spins while stationary it’s not the tcase or transmission. Very unlikely to have the rear shaft spinning while stationary fwiw.. that half of the system is very stout.

If the front shaft spins it could be the diff, an inner axle shaft, a birf, an outer shaft, or a drive flange. The early model thinner drive flanges are well known to strip out, and the shuddering could be communicating back up the driveline to other parts with slack making the sound come from that area. Maybe.

Like I said popping the dust covers would be one of the first things I do. Not invasive, doesn’t even need to jack vehicle up and remove a wheel.

It is entirely possible that it’s something different. As said, if shafts are spinning while the grinding is happening you know to look downstream of the transmission and tcase

Rumor has it that from '92 on, all ABS equipped models had VCs. But that's a rumor until it's confirmed by the experts. paging @cruiserdan

 

[-Spike-]

Rumor has it that from '92 on, all ABS equipped models had VCs. But that's a rumor until it's confirmed by the experts. paging @cruiserdan

There were some 93's with semi-floating rear axles. I would assume those didn't have ABS or VC's.

Something to think about, if you replace the drive flanges and have worn axle stub splines, the new flanges will quickly wear. If the axle stub splines are worn, best practice is to pull the front driveshaft and lock the CDL for daily driving until you can replace all the worn parts. Especially since your birfs are clicking anyway, as that's not helping the problem.

 

[Tools R Us]

If the birf splines are also significantly worn, going to be replaced, better to go with the later birf and drive plate, they have longer splines, so more durable. If the birf isn't going to be replaced, can use the later drive plate, the snap-ring wont fit, hold the birf with a bolt and large washer.

 

[cruiserdan]

Rumor has it that from '92 on, all ABS equipped models had VCs. But that's a rumor until it's confirmed by the experts. paging @cruiserdan

The viscous coupler first appeared in the US in the 1993 model year. It was bundled with the ABS option along with a full-float rear axle and rear disc brakes. A few 93/94 vehicles made it into the US without optional ABS but they are quite uncommon. ABS became standard equipment in 1995.