I was messing around with my truck today when i noticed that when i grabbed on the side of the bed and rocked it side to side it would make a clunking noise. With a little more investigation i noticed that the noise was coming from the brake drum moving in and out. i know that a little play in the rear axles is normal but this is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of movement. i took it to a local shop and they said that it is probably the clutch packs wearing out and it will be around 400 bucks to have them replaced.

i was wondering if anyone has ever tried to replace the clutch packs themselves or if i should just let the shop do it?

 

Sounds like the shop is hurting for business to me.

My tuck makes the same noise with out the l/s, what you are hearing is the axle sliding back and forth into c clips. This slack allows you to remove the clips to slide the axles out.

 

It's normal but you may wanna add some friction modifier since you have a Limited Slip. You can get a bottle from the dealer for around $6-10.

 

How many miles?

 

it has 180000 miles. and Blhede does yours slop about half an inch or better? to the point to where there is a loud audible thunk?

 

the question is are you still getting the action from the LS? ie, posi?

 

I doubted you pulled the wheel and actually measured. Shaking the bed you will get movement from the springs and tires along with every other creek and pop your truck has.

With the mileage you claim i bet it was shot 100k ago, since you haven't noticed it cant be a big deal.

I know my CVPI is worn out because I have a one wheel wonder on stomp on the skinny pedal.

 

^^^ chk your tire spin.

Before any work is done or committed to get a second or third quote.

If there is no noise like a wheel bearing grinding or the truck is doing a rear steering thing or one of your rear wheels passes you while going down the road… wait a while and see what the truck is telling you.

if no noise increase, leave it be until you get another indicator.
If you really want to look at it, jack up the truck, put it on stands, remove the rear cover, look and see if things are in place and not bent up or broken and put in some clean gear lube.
Have a friend move the axle in and out while you are looking at the diff and see what is going on.

 

Cclip axles all have some "slop" in them, it's the design, nothing abnormal with some play.
There is no way clutch packs can affect the shaft moving in and out. Your shafts are splined and slide into the side gears, the clutch packs and spring push on the side gears but DO NOT affect the shafts sliding into/out of them.
With that mileage, you probably need them replaced but now way is it causing the shafts to move.

 

Thank you to for the last two posts. actually an answer not just run around. but for replacing the clutch packs is that something that i could do myself? i know they work on a friction design and use the spring to help compress them but if i tried to take them out would i have to remove parts of my rear differential beyond what me just being mechanically inclined could place back together?

 

http://www.powerblocktv.com/player/s...-16&ep_show=MC

Rebuild starts at 4:10

 

that was a great video. i think ill save the money and just do this myself. but i did also find this web site with step by step directions and pictures in simple talk that everyone can understand. thank you everyone for the help!!!

http://www.angelfire.com/theforce/5o...5ohtech001.htm