...at least I think that's what happened. I was pulling out of a parking spot last night, got two loud bangs (same noise as the drivetrain slop I get sometimes when changing from reverse to drive), only is happened at slow speed going forward. After that, I started getting clunks that happen once every rotation of the tires.

This morning I pulled the rear drive shaft out (thought it was u-joints at first) and drove down the street in 4hi, still getting the clunks. Put the DS back in and put the rear wheels up in the air and let it idle in drive, clunks are definitely coming from the diff. I have an appt set up for tomorrow to have a TrueTrac put in.....if the truck still drives but clunks, it should be a G80 problem right? Does it sound like my ring and pinion are still ok?

 

I would plan on a new ring and pinion too if there are chunks of G-80 rolling around in there. I am sure a chunk or two got pinched between the teeth of your ring and pinion someplace. This is probably what was making the noise you were hearing. Whatever broke, it probably hurt your ring and pinion also.

Mike

 

That's exactly what happened to mine. The gears were not hurt buy the breakage but they were by he debris and they were only 6 months old.

 

yep yep..it'll do it every time!!!

 

Well ****. I guess I'll pull the diff cover tonight and check it out.

 

That sucks man! Join the club. Get your self a new ring and pinion and some new axle bearings and seals while its all torn apart.

 

Good news.....ring and pinion are in good shape. Not sure how, but whatever this pin thing is came partway out and shaved off against the snout of the pinion. All the pinion teeth are fine, couldn't even see any wear on it. Weird. The noise was coming from the pin hitting the pinion, and it would go away from time to time as the pin slid in and out.

 

Get it towed with the *** up in the air so it doesnt get the gears screwed. Welcome to the club!

 

damn man i had this same thing it was raining out when my old tires were bald and my g-80 stayed locked . it was clunking and stuff . didnt stop till i got home every turn . but once it dryed up it went away . i thought for sure i blew it

 

That bolt off to the right of the pin is what holds it in place. If the pin is able to move, then there's something wrong with that bolt too. All those metal chunks that got taken off, fell into the fluid and then that fluid made it on to your ring and pinion. If it were me, I'd get a new ring and pinion, especially since that pin was beating against your pinion.