Front end noise

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

AuroraGirl

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2019
Posts
9,693
Reaction score
6,867
Location
Northern Wisconsin
First Name
Taylor
Truck Year
1978, 1980
Truck Model
K10, K25
Engine Size
400(?), 350
The u-joints on the drive shafts seem fine (no play at all) but idk how old they are. I replaced the axle u-joints this spring which is when I replaced the bearings as well.
Also my hubs don't lock
You have NP203 with always locked hubs?
 

AuroraGirl

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2019
Posts
9,693
Reaction score
6,867
Location
Northern Wisconsin
First Name
Taylor
Truck Year
1978, 1980
Truck Model
K10, K25
Engine Size
400(?), 350
Can you temporarily remove the ends of your hubs so you free wheel to see if the NP203 differential is doing its job
 

Grit dog

Full Access Member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Posts
6,956
Reaction score
12,199
Location
Auburn, Washington
First Name
Todd
Truck Year
1986, 1977
Truck Model
K20, C10
Engine Size
454, 350
If not bearings or u joints in the front and nothing loose with the brakes, and presumably speed variable noise, I’d start looking at the front diff or transfer case. Remove front driveshaft and see if noise disappears or can isolate it further? Being full time 4wd everything is spinning all the time.
 

Fjordlander

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2022
Posts
99
Reaction score
38
Location
USA
First Name
Kyle
Truck Year
1976
Truck Model
Scottsdale K10
Engine Size
V8
Can you temporarily remove the ends of your hubs so you free wheel to see if the NP203 differential is doing its job
I put the truck on jack stands to see if the front diff was working and it is but the rear wheels started spinning instantly whereas the front was delayed and much slower. Is that normal or is something up with my diff?
 

Fjordlander

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2022
Posts
99
Reaction score
38
Location
USA
First Name
Kyle
Truck Year
1976
Truck Model
Scottsdale K10
Engine Size
V8
Push up and down on the front pinion yoke,looking for a sloppy pinion bearing.
The driver front yoke does have a little play in it! Is that bearing replaceable or do I just need a new yoke?
 

mtbadbob

Full Access Member
Joined
May 9, 2021
Posts
654
Reaction score
1,021
Location
Montana
First Name
Bob
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
V20
Engine Size
350
Front shaft CV wore causing it to bind with the lift??
 

squaredeal91

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2023
Posts
2,509
Reaction score
4,515
Location
Cave junction Oregon
First Name
Greg bush
Truck Year
1991 SB
Truck Model
K30
Engine Size
5.9 Cummins 12 valve
The u-joints on the drive shafts seem fine (no play at all) but idk how old they are. I replaced the axle u-joints this spring which is when I replaced the bearings as well.
Also my hubs don't lock
you got the chrome tin covers on your hubs? Haven't seen those in a coons age lol. There reliable but definitely keeps parts moving when you don't need them too. Any plans for manual or auto locking hubs? And how much pinion play are we talking about here? Little wiggle or flop donkey status?
 

Fjordlander

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2022
Posts
99
Reaction score
38
Location
USA
First Name
Kyle
Truck Year
1976
Truck Model
Scottsdale K10
Engine Size
V8
you got the chrome tin covers on your hubs? Haven't seen those in a coons age lol. There reliable but definitely keeps parts moving when you don't need them too. Any plans for manual or auto locking hubs? And how much pinion play are we talking about here? Little wiggle or flop donkey status?
Yeah I've got the chrome tin covers. Currently no plans to change them out but that may change.

The pinion only wiggles a little but only on the driver's side.
 

Fjordlander

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2022
Posts
99
Reaction score
38
Location
USA
First Name
Kyle
Truck Year
1976
Truck Model
Scottsdale K10
Engine Size
V8
What part are you calling a "pinion"? I think we need pictures
Sorry, I'm referring to this yoke that joins the axle at the u-joint
 

Attachments

  • 20241028_142529.jpg
    20241028_142529.jpg
    160.5 KB · Views: 17

squaredeal91

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2023
Posts
2,509
Reaction score
4,515
Location
Cave junction Oregon
First Name
Greg bush
Truck Year
1991 SB
Truck Model
K30
Engine Size
5.9 Cummins 12 valve
Sorry, I'm referring to this yoke that joins the axle at the u-joint
Okay. That's your axle Shaft U-joint. The pinion yoke is where your front axle meets the front driveshaft. With full time hubs your front end is always spinning everything, even in 2wd. I'm guessing it's your front driveshaft because it wasn't making the sound before the lift kit install. Remove front driveshaft and see if the sound goes away.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
44,109
Posts
949,461
Members
36,207
Latest member
Sonny98370
Top