Notchy rear differential

[franknson]

Thanks to all that helped me thru an engine swap. 1998 Ranger supercab, 3.0, 5 speed manual we picked up with a blown engine. While servicing the rear brakes I notice a notchy feeling when turning the axles by hand. Almost like a ratchet. Not smooth like other rear drive cars. Its a 7.5 open rear. No howling while driving and when I jack up the rear while running, put it in gear I can hear the notchy-ness but difficult to pinpoint. Worn spider gears? Truck has 123k on it. Plan on pulling off the cover and poking around a bit, and re-filling with synthetic this weekend. Any thoughts?

Thanks, FM

 

[kennykenny]

Let us know what you find.

 

[franknson]

OK, everythings fine. Took off diff cover and inspected rear diff. No filings, clean, and spiders look fine. What is causing the ratcheting feeling? I dont know but I didnt realize that there is a "sensor" ring attached to the back side of the ring gear. Im assuming this is for a spring loaded ABS sensor that is mounted on the front side of the differential. What I may be feeling when I spin the axle is this sensor ratcheting over the rings raised nubs. Whatever the case the guts look in great shape.

 

[kennykenny]

It is the vehicle speed sensor, it shouldn't be touching the tone ring. I don't know what you are feeling, have you checked all the basics like brakes and U-joints?

 

[4x4junkie]

It's normal to feel the spider gear teeth roll against each other as you turn the shaft by hand. If the shaft was real stiff to turn though (that is, if it's not a limited-slip diff), then I'd be more concerned.

 

[franknson]

I guess its normal. Like I said everything looks clean and there is no howling when driving. I just dont remember feeling spider gears like that but Im not worried. Thanks for the input.