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Front Differential Exploded

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by johnsotd, Mar 12, 2017.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Mar 12, 2017
    johnsotd

    johnsotd Member

    Senatobia, MS
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2006
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    454
    Went for a drive around the block and disaster struck. I was going as fast as the f-134 would go when "BOOM". The front end locked up and the front driveshaft snapped in two.
    Before I start to open this thing up does anyone want to venture a guess as to what happened? What am I likely to find.
    As far as I know everything else is still as it should be, hopefully.
    Thanks
     
    johnsotd, Mar 12, 2017
    #1
  2. Mar 12, 2017
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    was jeep in 4WD on pavement . you won't know what happen till you pull cover
     
    Twin2, Mar 12, 2017
    #2
    Tom_Hartz likes this.
  3. Mar 12, 2017
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    Wow that sucks. Was it in 4WD by mistake? Did the front end roll after the driveshaft is out? Keep us posted.
     
    Tom_Hartz, Mar 12, 2017
    #3
  4. Mar 12, 2017
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    You posted faster than I did.
     
    Tom_Hartz, Mar 12, 2017
    #4
  5. Mar 12, 2017
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    Post pics please...
     
    jeepstar, Mar 12, 2017
    #5
  6. Mar 12, 2017
    johnsotd

    johnsotd Member

    Senatobia, MS
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2006
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    Evidently it was in 4wd but the hubs were free.
    It will not roll now with the hubs engaged.
    It was not making any noise before this happened. Running quiet and smooth.
    I had hoped to be finished with this build but it doesn't seem to want to turn me loose just yet.
     
    johnsotd, Mar 12, 2017
    #6
  7. Mar 13, 2017
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    Just curious, but where did the driveshaft break? Slip yoke, u-joint, tube?
    As you know, there was a catstrophic failure, and you won't know until you open up the front cover. Sounds like a bolt or piece of broken gear got lodged between the ring gear and the pinion mesh.
    -Donny
     
    Keys5a, Mar 13, 2017
    #7
  8. Mar 13, 2017
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
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    Nov 27, 2006
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    2,793
    You have a locker in the front diff?
     
    1960willyscj5, Mar 13, 2017
    #8
  9. Mar 14, 2017
    johnsotd

    johnsotd Member

    Senatobia, MS
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2006
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    Well, this is very embarrassing but I guess I have to confess.
    I did not have a mechanical failure, I had a mechanic failure.
    It seems that I did not read the part where front differentials require OIL.
    My wife says this is not the dumbest thing I have ever done but it ranks pretty high.
    This may be an expensive repair and take a lot of work. As it stands, my front end is locked up tighter than an iron gate

    Sorry to have bothered y'all with something this stupid.
     
    johnsotd, Mar 14, 2017
    #9
  10. Mar 14, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Usually that's the first question asked...Did you put oil in it? Just when we think...Don't ask the obvious. :whistle:

    Some people pay good money for welded locker. :sneak:
     
    Focker, Mar 14, 2017
    #10
  11. Mar 14, 2017
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep.. 2024 Sponsor

    North Central FL
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    Pfff, if you don't have a story like this in your past then you obviously have never done anything in your life.. We have ALL been there..
     
    Jeepenstein, Mar 14, 2017
    #11
    73 cj5, Posimoto, sterlclan and 5 others like this.
  12. Mar 14, 2017
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    take the low road . just find another whole front axle
     
    Twin2, Mar 14, 2017
    #12
    Thean and dozerjim like this.
  13. Mar 14, 2017
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
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    I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong.
     
    homersdog, Mar 14, 2017
    #13
  14. Mar 14, 2017
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
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    I agree with twin2, you should be able to find another front end for $50-200 and swap the whole thing in a few hours. Easy peasy.
     
    givemethewillys, Mar 14, 2017
    #14
  15. Mar 14, 2017
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    New axle, x2. Its easier and cheaper than rebuilding
     
    jeepstar, Mar 14, 2017
    #15
  16. Mar 14, 2017
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    Can we still see pictures of the carnage ?
     
    jpflat2a, Mar 14, 2017
    #16
    Patrick and Brew88 like this.
  17. Mar 14, 2017
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    I'd bet the bearings and/or the differential itself locked up.
     
    Glenn, Mar 14, 2017
    #17
  18. Mar 14, 2017
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    yep
     
    Twin2, Mar 14, 2017
    #18
  19. Mar 14, 2017
    haighfam

    haighfam Member

    Paradise, CA
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    Feb 8, 2009
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    I like carnage, just not Jeep carnage. Would like to see it as a learning experience.
     
    haighfam, Mar 14, 2017
    #19
  20. Mar 14, 2017
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
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    Great time to find a dana 30.
     
    Daryl, Mar 14, 2017
    #20
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