TJ front diff problems

[Lowisuzu]

My friend has an 04 TJ with 4.88s and an arb air locker in each diff.
He has recently noticed the front diff making a noise, sorta hard to explain the noise, cross between a knock and a tick when driving, but only when he is accelerating. not when it is coasting.
He took it to a 4wd shop, they recommended opening up the diff and inspecting the crown and pinion gears for damage.
We just did that and are unable to find any damage on the gears.

we thought it might be the front driveshaft making the noise or the Uni's attaching it, but it seems to be coming out of the diff....

Any Suggestions?

[Wooders]

Pull the front shaft out & see if the noise is still there.
I'd suspect a dry/worn Double cardan joint - but you can also test this with the shaft out.

[Lowisuzu]

yeah disconnected the front shaft at the diff and still made the noise.

[Judd]

Ah ok thanks Wooders, i noticed play in the transfer end of the shaft and the cardan joint also made some noise too,

Are these fairly easy to rebuild or should i get a shop to do it???

[Wooders]

yeah disconnected the front shaft at the diff and still made the noise.

OK next I'd suggest checking the wheel bearings.

Ah ok thanks Wooders, i noticed play in the transfer end of the shaft and the cardan joint also made some noise too,
Are these fairly easy to rebuild or should i get a shop to do it???

Most likely the ball centring unit will need replacing (& the unis). Not technically difficult - and good to learn how so you can fix yourself.

[Judd]

OK next I'd suggest checking the wheel bearings.

I checked these they seem fine,

Most likely the ball centring unit will need replacing (& the unis). Not technically difficult - and good to learn how so you can fix yourself.

So i guess tomorro i will drop the drive shaft out and check the uni's and shaft, the truck will be fine to drive a lap of the street with no front shaft wont it??

[a reef]

please check front upper and lower control arm[4link arm] rubber bushes .or the link itself if you see sign wear. to fix this i replace bushes and weld couple spot so the bushes not move in/out in the arm housing .that my experience with my old tj and grand cherokee.note thats jeep thing

[Judd]

please check front upper and lower control arm[4link arm] rubber bushes .or the link itself if you see sign wear. to fix this i replace bushes and weld couple spot so the bushes not move in/out in the arm housing .that my experience with my old tj and grand cherokee.note thats jeep thing

thanks for the advice, ill check that too
the truck has a RE 5.5in lift with long arms fitted, i imagine the bushes are of quality but ill check anyway

cheers