So today the transfer case was gone through... nothing wrong supposedly. They took rear driveshaft out and ran it around. Still noise. They checked the backlash and gear wear supposedly it was good. That only leaves carrier bearings and pinion bearing that could be damaged from install. They wanted to cut and reweld the spring pirches to get more angle adjustment.... I told them to get transfer case drop plates first to see if it fixes it. I’m a little nervous about the ability to get the pirches back on exact.
They were the ones who ordered the driveshaft from Adams, 4.3L XJ in answer to your ?

 

I think they got one that is too short. My concern is that it may pull the splines in the shaft too far out and take that seal with it. It will be hard on stuff until something gives. When I got my shafts from Tom Woods, they were set up so the distance was in the middle of the travel when the rig was at rest. That is how I have set them up for lots of years now. It appears that they painted it fully collapsed. I would bring this distance thing to their attention

 

If I remember right, they said it was 2-1/4" to the start of the bevel that was optimum.

 

I'd let them do it. It's not difficult to get them in the right place. They grind off the old ones, set the new ones back on the axle, put the weight of the Jeep on them, aim the pinion, tack the perches in place, then lift the Jeep off and fully weld them on the axle. It's not a huge deal, pretty straight forward. In fact, if you're a competent welder you could probably do it yourself.

I'm having mine done next week. I'm a total newb welder and not confident in my skill at all, otherwise I'd absolutely be doing it myself.

I'd do it though if I were you. Do the shock mounts too. Even if it doesn't completely solve your problem it's really the best way if your shims are at max.


-T.

 

Got it back today 1/2 inch of transfer case drop to see if it helps. The pinion is at about
2 degrees now. They tore the entire axle apart and installed new bearings. They said the teraflex discs were designed for the YJ not the old XJ 44. The outer wheels bearings needed more pre load because the race bell is larger on the old 44. Adjusted everything. Runs smoothe no vibes except on deceleration. There is some whirring. Could that be the Nitro ring and pinion chirping.?.
I’m told... mechanically, everything is right we’re it should be and they’re not sure what else can be done.
I know XJ’s make noise. I’ve just never had noise on a new set up before.
I’m half tempted to take it to an axle shop and get another opinion. Only thing is that there is noise and that might open up the door to more $$ I can’t afford at present.
Anyone else got mild whirring on a new axle rebuild???

 

2 & 1/4.... I’m at 1 & 3/4. Close.... but would 1/2 in cause the rotational whirring after everything has been redone?

 

Any recommendations for a good axle shop around Seattle Washington?

 

Today I got in contact with teraflex. There is a bearing preload spacer that is required on older xj Dana 44 for the #4354410 kit. It’s got an O.D. of 3”. An I.D. of 2&1/4. And is 0.230 thick part #86262. I also ordered some new retaining plates to be sure. Call it $10 of insurance.

Adams recommend I take the transfer case drop out because the pinion (by the photo) looked to high.

Nitro seams to think by the noise, the pinion was set up wrong.

Oh boy... we’re having fun now!!!

 

To fallow up... because so many posts just stop with no resolve.
Transfer case drop is still in, until rear springs settle a bit. Teraflex spacers were in place. The ring and pinion was replaced and set up again with new bearings. Seams to be the fix.
Mild noise now, not sure if it’s the treads on the tires or ?
There is some noise coming from the front transfer case bearing that will get replaced when the day comes the case is rebuilt. Keeping the fingers crossed all is well, as I’m planning a trek through the river into the woods along the dusty trail.
Thanks for all the thoughts