Rear end? Tranny? Grinding/clunking noise, wont move

[4FordFamily]

1995 XLT, 4.0L 4WD

welp, today something completely screwed up and I had to tow my truck, AWFUL grinding noise in reverse or drive (it engaged, but makes awful noise when it goes in to either) the clunking was always there, so I suspected U joints, but now I'm lost. What do you guys think is wrong?

It grinded when I drove it, park worked at first, and then it started rolling backwards. Emergnecy brake didnt work, and I'm stressed out. No rear end fluid anywhere. Noticed what I think is a hose disconnected to the rear end?

Just before this happened, it started vibrating just after a shift in 2nd or 3rd, going 25-40mph. Tap the gas more, it went away, let off the gas, it went away. Just before it messed up on the way home, it started vibrating even when decelerating (no gas). Still, it went away when I accelerated. (So it only vibrated with LIGHT gas after shift, then started doing it even when braking/slowling down). It also vibrated and made funny noise on the interstate, but not 1/10 as bad. Felt almost like a wheel was off-balance (but just had them balanced).

4wd didn't fix anything it had the same probekms, but made awful grinding noises when taken in/out, and same from drive to reverse.

this sucks anybody have an educated idea?

 

[DeRocha]

If the noise is occurring by simply shifting into forward or reverse the Driveshsafts shouldn't be moving at all (trany issue).. Also because the vehicle can ROLL when in park indicates a failure of the parking prawl inside the Transmission (provided the rear driveline isn't busted-> use test below) .

In any case you need to get under your truck and inspect the rear drive shaft for any sign of play in the U-joints.. Grinding can also occur if you broke a tooth of the ring in pinion in the rear diff.

Test for ring and pinion issues:

1. Secure the front wheels with chocks
2. Jack up the rear axle
3. Put the transmission in "N"
4. Parking break off
5. Rotate the rear drive shaft
6. Rotate each wheel

There should be no binding felt and the driveshaft and wheels should move freely. If any binding is felt you'd need to remove the diff cover and inspect he R&P. If its toast then now would be the time to consider re-gearing. Re-gearing is $$$ and best left to those with the tools and skills to do so.

 

[4FordFamily]

It was the rear end.

 

[Cobraguy]

Really? And putting it in 4WD didn't give you park? Is this a 5.0 AWD?

 

[DeRocha]

It was the rear end.

Did you test it or bring it to a shop?

 

[4FordFamily]

Really? And putting it in 4WD didn't give you park? Is this a 5.0 AWD?

nope. The rear end was 100% shredded. It was in PIECES. None of it was salvageable, it had only showed signs of wear for a week.

 

[4FordFamily]

Did you test it or bring it to a shop?

shop, rear end expert (all he works on for 25 years now)

It was amazing how ruined it was.

 

[4FordFamily]

Put a new rear-end in, everything is now fixed and works great.

 

[IndyGreg02]

How much to repair?

Mine just went out. Did you replace ring and pinion or get a new/used rear end complete?

My shop said $350 labor plus parts. Thinking of looking for one at junk yard, I know I could swap it out myself.

Just curious I haven't decided what to do yet.