Posted by Cheyenne Dave on Monday, March 11, 2002 at 10:17AM :
The tests you recomended turned up nothing unusual. This didn't surprise me too much. So far, everything has felt smooth when turned by hand. I raised the truck on 4 stout jackstands and ran it in 4th gear, 4 WD. Using a length of rubber hose as a stethoscope, I was able to issolate the noise to the front diff. I'm now about to open the diff. assembly. All the bearings check out so all that's left is the spider gears and side gears. Also will be checking ring gear mounting frange run-out. I'm checking everything by "The Book" (Gordon Maney's DODGE SERVICE: BRAKES, FRONT DRIVE AXEL, TRANSFER CASE, and DIFFERENTIAL).
Had to make the special tool for removing diff. case cap. At least now I have one! Thanks to both of you!
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