front driveline nightmare

[chermansen]

1998 explorer eddie bauer edition has distinct non-cadence type thump from front of drivetrain when strain is applied: quick acceleration, climbing hills, etc. I have incorrectly traced this noise to the right cv axle (replaced) and front drive shaft universal/cv joint (both replaced). I drove with the front shaft removed and the condition disappeared. I also ran the vehicle with all wheels off the ground and could not discern any noises from the front diff. under normal acceleration and driving it pulls beautifully. it shifts through all transfer case modes easily and quietly. Any thoughts? Becoming very demoralised. Thanks.

 

[koda2000]

chipped tooth in front diff?

 

[chermansen]

front driveline nightmare cont'd

Thanks Koda 2000. when I first inspected the driveline I noticed what I thought was recent work on the front diff- excessive white rtv gasket material. I guess I'll drop the bugger tomorrow.