Front Axle Noise

[85_Ranger4x4]

I did the C clip eliminator mod to my front axle (D35) eons ago, well now that I actually have the front driveshaft in it full time and am using 4wd more I notice I have a substantial dragging noise at speed from the passenger side with the hubs locked in. Low speed/trail riding speed I don't hear anything.

At first I was thinking spindle bearing since they have been dunked a couple times.

Then I got to thinking about the mod and I can't remember what the axle shaft pushes against to keep everything together with the spring, anyone know? Suppose it could be something with that?

I am trying to formulate a plan since it is kinda majorish surgery to get that deep into it.

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/c-clip_eliminator_external.shtml

 

[racsan]

The spider cross pin maybe? Im guessing & trying to remember the insides of the d35 from my 93.

 

[Curious Hound]

Which mid did you do? One method uses a weedeater spring on the outside of the shaft, pushing the two sections apart

The other method uses an jnternal spring and I've read of people having an issue with some cap popping out of the end of the shaft. I did the external spring. Pictures way, way back in my build thread.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Which mid did you do? One method uses a weedeater spring on the outside of the shaft, pushing the two sections apart

The other method uses an jnternal spring and I've read of people having an issue with some cap popping out of the end of the shaft. I did the external spring. Pictures way, way back in my build thread.

External, it's linked above.

 

[Curious Hound]

Just pushes the inner end up to the cross-pin.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just pushes the inner end up to the cross-pin.

Sounds more like its towards the hub end.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Spindle bearings aren't too bad to do, sounds like it could be that

The welding on that link on the shaft isn't necessary, the clamp on the boot in the notch is plenty, that's what I've done and it's worked fine.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Spindle bearings aren't too bad to do, sounds like it could be that

The welding on that link on the shaft isn't necessary, the clamp on the boot in the notch is plenty, that's what I've done and it's worked fine.

Yeah, I put new bearings in it before I did the axle swap, not bad to do and I just kinda assumed it was that.

Then I got to thinking wondering is acting as a thrust bearing at the knuckle with the spring thing. I welded mine.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I'd seen that and wondered if it was necessary so I skipped it, doesn't seem to be needed... but that's not causing the noise... honestly I haven't paid attention in a LONG time as with no carpet just a full width rubber floor mat not even the factory rubber floor and the shift boots not even attached to the floor I have a bunch of road noise, everything is still attached so I just keep going, I need to drive that dumb thing more, it's been parked since like May just because gas has been expensive... maybe I'll clean the bed out this weekend and drive it next week...

 

[Josh B]

Why do you want to keep the 4WD engaged, is this during regular road and highway use?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Why do you want to keep the 4WD engaged, is this during regular road and highway use?

Yeah.

Mainly I was using the hubs to lock up the front driveline when I put the front driveshaft in and I forgot to unlock them. I noticed it right away on the way home. I have experimented a little with it since.

With the t-case in 4wd and the hubs unlocked it doesn't do it, I cant tell if both sides are turning though and I haven't dug the gopro out to check.

My D28 had a little rumble because the ujoints were shot but nothing like this.

I am doing the Vagabond trip next year so it will be seeing a lot of 4wd time, if it is chewing something up I would rather deal with it now.

 

[4x4junkie]

At the wheel end there is a gray plastic shim (washer) at the base of the stub axle (behind the spindle) that the axle (with c-clip eliminator spring) is pressed against. This shim spaces the axle the correct distance for the seal to function properly (I thought I had a pic of this, but can't seem to find it now ).

That area needs to be slathered with plenty of grease. If it's dried up (the plastic washer worn down or melted), it certainly could become the source of a grinding/scraping noise. However the spindle needle bearing is still a good possibility too. Either way, the spindle needs to come off to get at it.

And agreed, the welding is completely unnecessary.
IMO, Jim should remove that detail from the article since it can cause a stress riser on the shaft, potentially leading to a future fatigue failure.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Its been like 5 years but I sure don't remember a plastic washer.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Looks like maybe Spicer 38106

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/pdf_documents/Dana_Ford_35.pdf

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/spicer/cv--driveshaft---axle/axle-spindle-thrust-washer/bf327406d3d8/spicer-spindle-thrust-washer/spi0/38106

 

[Shran]

Does it make noise going straight? Wheels turned?

Dry needle bearings in a u-joint or bad spindle bearing are also the first things to come to mind. That said I have seen and driven plenty of trucks that are just missing the spindle bearing, seal/thrust washer/outer washers & clip and they made no noise at all.

You'd think if it was something in the t-case or differential it would make noise in 4wd with the hubs unlocked so it seems safe to me to rule that out.