I have a Dana 30 with 3:55 gears and a lock rite locker in my 92 xj. Recently I developed a popping noise, like a u joint going bad. Constant popping that gets louder and quieter with speed. I've replaced everything in my front end besides internal components. Well today it developed into a bad metal on metal like sound with bad vibrations. Couldn't drive over 25. My question is, how do I know if is my locker and how do I know if Its my ring gears?

 

Have you pulled the cover and looked ?

 

Yes I have. Just a few days ago. There were fine metal shavings but no chunks or broken teeth anywhere that I saw.

 

Bet you'll find more shavings if you look today. If it developed severely today then it should be slightly more obvious what parts are in need of replacing.

 

Maybe a bearing went bad? Metal shaving and bad sounds?

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Tomorrow I will strip my entire axle and check things out. I just put the fluid in like a week ago. Guess I gotta buy more.