Hi all, I just got transfered to Fort Bliss here in El Paso, Texas. My 01 GC (Laredo with I6 and NP-242) made the 2000 mile drive but about half way here she developed a pronounced growl coming from the front somewhere. When I got to El Paso I parked it and checked underneath and felt that the front driveshaft can be moved about an 1/8" on the transfer case side, not on the axle.

Now when i drive her it get this rattling sound at slow to mid speeds, goes away about 60 or so. I know I have the replace the bearings but what I am looking at as far as difficulty. I've never torn one of these apart. Also, how reliable is the joint on the axle that looks like a CV joint? I dont do any heavy duty off-roading, she is my daily driver, but now that I am way out here in the desert, who knows. Woud rather be ready than broke.

 

i get the same thing at around 55-60 for a cuple seconds then it goes away.

 

You need to pay attention to where the movement is. Just try to look at it good and see if its all in that CV joint on the driveshaft, or if its moving the flange that goes into the transfer case. I think the joint at the transfer case end of the front driveshaft is a CV type with the rubber boot? If so I would suspect this part first. They are rebuildable and parts can be found with a google search or auto parts store, the whole driveshaft can be replaced or taken to a driveline shop for repair.

 

I understand what you are saying, my front drive shaft does have the rubber boot but the flange end that enters the transfer case is where the movement is. Nothing is leaking but the movement is causing the rattling sound that is driving me nuts.

 

I see, I was kind of hoping the slack was in the CV joint. I would start with pulling the front driveshaft. check the yoke/flange that goes into the transfer case, if you are lucky it might be just a loose yoke causing the driveshaft to vibrate. If the yoke nut is tight then it sounds like the t-case needs to come apart.

 

I am already assuming the transfer case has to come out. Though I will take out the driveshaft as you said, just in the off chance that is the problem. I was askng if anyone has any experience with rebuilding these 242s.

 

Has anyone rebuilt one of these before? any words of wisdom?