Rearend Clunking, Locking Up?

[Altaman]

I was coming down the mountian from sking last week ('92, XLT, 5sp, 4x4), the road was a steep canyon with some ice build-up. I was in 3rd gear just letting the decend on idle(2 wheel) and every so often there would be loud/vibrating clunking, almost like the one of the rear wheels was locking up. It seemed most likly to happen when going through ice patches.

Is this something to worry about? What is the cause? Thanks

 

[Four0Sport]

were you applying the brake? could be the abs catching. check your rear diff fluid for contaminants or low fluid, old fluid might effect clutch lock up in your rear diff. are you limited slip or open? this would also effect how the rear end acts in icy conditions.

 

[Altaman]

I wasn't on the brake when it happened. I'll check the fluid levels, Thanks.

 

[Four0Sport]

no problem.. if you find anything else out let us know. im sure theres some people that have had similar problems that could help you out.

 

[Noved1987]

I had a simalar problem. the rearend locked up i slid to a stop looked for problems didnt see anything got in and drove it. It drove fine. about 2 weeks later i was on my way to work and it did it again. this time it wouldnt free up.

I called a mechanic i know. he said to pull the rear diff cover. when i did the bolt that holds the pin in the diff had sheered off. i think that was the first lock up. the pin was the jamed against the housing. I had to replace the rearend.

I suggest pulling the cover and checking the rear diff out.