Rear differential knocking

[Michaelolson88]

Hello all

1999 4x4 xlt
I’m having some trouble with my rear differential. Basically I had a bad rear axle seal on my passenger side that I replaced recently. Now I’m getting a knocking noise from the differential when I make tight right turns at slow speeds. Anyone know what might be going wrong. I think I’m going to just take it all apart again but I’d like to just be prepared before heading into that direction. All help would be appreciated.
Thank you!!

 

[SenorNoob]

Hate to say this, but sounds like damage from being low on oil. One thing first though, is it limited slip? What oil did you use to refill?

 

[Michaelolson88]

Hmmm interesting. My axle is r7 doesn’t have the L next to it to indicate limited slip. I used 75w-140 and definitely filled until full.

 

[Michaelolson88]

Also it doesn’t happen when I make sharp left turns at low speeds which is odd

 

[Michaelolson88]

Hate to say this, but sounds like damage from being low on oil. One thing first though, is it limited slip? What oil did you use to refill?

Actually I was wrong. I have axle R7 which through looking around actually is limited slip. My mistake. I thought it would have an Ls on the tag.

 

[SenorNoob]

75-140 Should be fine. AFAIK it already has the limited slip additive.

 

[4x4junkie]

Knocking sounds in a limited slip differential while turning and/or going over bumps are not unusual.
As the L/S clutches wear down, the axles develop end play where the C-clip resides at the side gear.
If the end play is real great (more than 3/32" or so), replacing the L/S clutch stacks inside the differential should help.

 

[19Walt93]

Take the cover off to drain the fluid and refill it with new stuff and friction modifier. Motorcraft 75w140 doen't have friction modifier in it. It's worth a shot before tearing down to replace the clutches.

 

[Lil_Green]

Knocking sounds in a limited slip differential while turning and/or going over bumps are not unusual.
As the L/S clutches wear down, the axles develop end play where the C-clip resides at the side gear.
If the end play is real great (more than 3/32" or so), replacing the L/S clutch stacks inside the differential should help.

How many clutches are in an 8.8 rear end? I have a 92 ford Explorer 8.8 In my ranger. I wanna replace them but I’m not sure how many clutches there are.

 

[4x4junkie]

How many clutches are in an 8.8 rear end? I have a 92 ford Explorer 8.8 In my ranger. I wanna replace them but I’m not sure how many clutches there are.

I don't remember offhand how many are in there, but if you buy a clutch rebuild kit for it, it should come with whatever the needed amount of clutch discs is.

Welcome to TRS

 

[don4331]

8 steel and 6 friction clutches ( ie. 4 steel & 3 friction per side)

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

You can also ditch a steel plate on each side in favor of an extra clutch for better lockup.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Mine makes noise with the modifier in the oil, I have to add a dose of modifier with the oil.

Whatever they put in the oil is not enough to keep mine happy, your results may vary.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

FYI, the modifier makes the oil more slippery so it doesn’t grab the clutches as hard…