Dana 30 Noise In 2Wd That Goes Away In 4Wd Diagnosis Needed

[sdougwilliams]

I am doing a 2wd to 4wd conversion on my 86 comanche.

When I test drove it I am getting a wierd noise in 2wd that goes away in 4wd. It sounds like a gear is trying to engage into another gear. I also am getting a knocking noise when turning which sounds like a bad axle u joint or one hitting.

 

Observations:

Right steering knucle did not seat as well as the left side although I installed new split seat in the new steering knuckle.

Installed new Axle U joint in right Axle shaft- I had difficulty installing it as it seemed as though the u joint was a bit wider in one direction than in the other.

 

Any tips or special installation instructions when installing a right axle with a Dana 30 command trac front end?

 

Thanks in advance for any tips and assistance.

 

Doug

[mvusse]

Your transfer case linkage might need adjusting. Maybe in the 2wd setting you're right up against 4wd.

[sdougwilliams]

That is a great tip. I forgot to say that I did adjust the transfer case linkage after first having problems shifting the transfer case.

 

Getting noise today with the front drive shaft removed from the vehicle and definately seems to originating from the front axle.

[Geonovast]

Lock the CAD and see if it goes away. http://comancheclub.com/topic/17377-cad-fix-1/

[sdougwilliams]

When I put it in 4WD and the command trac engages then the noise goes away even without the drive shaft installed.

[Geonovast]

Which is exactly why I'm thinking it's your CAD being problematic... which is all they're good for.

 

Lock it, I'm betting your noise will go away, then forget the stupid thing exists.

[sdougwilliams]

Appreciate all the help and advice! I plan to try to tackle this on Saturday when it warms up to 36. A bit too cold to crawl around in the snow at 18 degrees.

[sdougwilliams]

Did the CAD fix and resolved the noise. Thank you all for your help!

[cruiser54]

When I put it in 4WD and the command trac engages then the noise goes away even without the drive shaft installed.

 

I've seen this twice on 86 vintage XJs when I was at the dealership.

 

The axles were jigged wrong and the axle tube was actually going into the diff area at a slight angle. There's a little bearing in there that the axle turned on and it would howl until 4wd was engaged.

 

Passenger side axle is in 2 pieces. Where they meet, there's a little pilot type bearing. When in 2wd, they are going different speeds and the bearing howls. In 4wd, they're both going the same speed since they're locked together. No noise.

[sdougwilliams]

Long story on solving this problem.  Ended up learning that the axle was bent and the disconnect axle was significantly worn.  I tried a solid axle replacement and ultimately replaced the front differential for a non disconnect model.  Noise definitely gone now.  What a pain it was!

[benjy_26]

Thanks so much for the update! It peeves me to read a thread that outlines and issue and the OP never comes back to tell us what happened.