When I turn the wheel and move forward I get a small grinding noise when in 2wd. It's so quiet that I have to stick my head out of the window to hear it. But when I shift into 4wd and turn the grinding is very loud. The outside tire does not drag and power still seems to be getting to the front axle. I have a fully stock 93 xj with the open Dana 30. Is this my U joints or diff?

 

Hmm, interesting. In 2wd, at highway speeds, does it make any noise?

 

Nothing. Only tire noise and a slight hum from the worn rear axle gears.

 

I'll bet it's NOT the Differential. i had a full floating GM 14 bolt come apart once and it sounded like T REX trying to get out from under the rig. a u joint would be a lug lug lug sound more often than not.

 

It sort of is a lug lug lug sound mixed with a grind. So sounds like the U-joints are at fault. Any advice on checking this? My hanes manual doesn't describe how to do this for some reason.

 

What about axle hub?

 

i had a bad wheelbearing that made those same sounds

 

Jack it up and grab hold of the tire. See if there is any play in it when grabbing at 6 and 12 or at 3 and 9. You should be able to tell if any play is from the bearing or if the u-joint is moving.

Greg

 

X2

Ubolts are like $10 to buy and 15 minutes to replace. checking them takes longer than replacing them

 

Did you mean U-joints instead of U bolts?

 

I think he did mean U-joints but, the last time I did it, it took a little longer than 15 minutes. It can be done though and isn't that difficult. Most of the job is taking your tire/wheel off and brakes and hub assembly apart. After that it's pull the axle shaft out and a basic U-joint replacement just like on your driveshaft.