Some of you may recall that I've had diff noise problems that are not yet resolved. Well, I am at the point where I am ready to remove the diff and install one that I bought from salvage but upon examination, I found that the passenger side halfshaft is NOT fully engaged. I can move it in and out with a small screwdriver. It doesn't click into place, so the question is, could this be the source of my noise? I haven't examined things to find the reason yet (broken snap ring?) or something in diff is worn, etc. I would sure hate to change the diff if not necessary but also would be unhappy if I replaced the snap ring, put it back together and still have the noise. Here a few pics, any opinions?

 

Gear oil, again what is it look like??? Woody

 

The gear oil was clean and no detected leaks. Tomorrow it's under the car to see if I can see the reason for this movement.

 

when you pulled the diff and DRIVESHAFT die u check the u-joint and the splines and the center bearing? it took me 4 times under the car to find the u joint was bad ,,,, each time tried to move it ,it was solid once removed i found it. inspect the drive shaft u joint. jim

 

OK, I will do that, thanks.