pos.
i swapped the AWD case back into it, its making some sort of really bad grinding sound now as you transition from under power to coasting or vice-versa. under power no noise, full coast no noise. right off the bat i thought it was the front diff just given the nature of the transition but figured i would try a few things first before rebuilding it or swapping it
maybe front diff just rocking around a little hitting the crossmember - i added an extra support still makes same noise i'll leave the support anyway but no bueno
maybe wheel bearings shot sound should be more constant but figured worth a shot - jacked up front end, spun, tires dont rock up/down or left/right any little movement they have is the whole spindle and thru the tie rod end. and also didnt do it driving around 2wd for the last couple months but figured it was worth a shot. and i dont feel it thru steering wheel so i think im striking it off the list
it never maid the noise before being awd - but figured riding around on the coast side of the ring/pinion couldve messed them up some
i will probably see if i can just find a whole other front diff. i think i only paid like 250 shipped for the one thats in there now.
other option is if the transfer case itself making the noise?? it really sounds like its coming from the front but could be misleading.
i dont feel like swapping the front diff or the transfer case at the moment since i just put tcase back in! but im back to not really wanting to drive it making the noise.
i can pull the front driveshaft easy enough, that would sort of put it back in 2wd and if it is the front diff, it wouldnt make noise anyway as gears would stay on coast side (which shouldnt make noise since ive driven it in 2wd and no noise before) BUT the front output of tcase would be unloaded anyway.
so if it all goes away it doesnt necessarily point at one or the other.
if it still makes the noise i would assume it would be the awd case (as ive driven it 2wd with other tcase=no noise)
in which case, i would put the np261 back in? if i had any idea it was going to do this shit. it would be a lot better to kick the 261 in 4hi and drive that would be the best was to determine front diff was actually the problem.