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Differential clunk help diagnose

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Deez11, Apr 18, 2025.

  1. Apr 18, 2025 at 7:47 AM
    #1
    Deez11

    Deez11 [OP] Member

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    I've got a 97 Tacoma, V6 manual trans 4x4 with diff lock. I've noticed that when I left off the clutch a little bit quick I hear a ding coming from the rear end. Usually when starting from a stop in first or reverse but occasionally while shifting if left off a little fast trying to accelerate when I'm in a hurry. I checked the u joints and they are tight but I can rotate the driveshaft just a little maybe 1/16th of a turn with my hand and if I do it hard enough I hear the "ding" in the rear diff. Trying to shake it with my hand I've got no up and down or side to side movement at the pinion bearing. I'm assuming the gears are worn some would that be correct probably? And if so, do they need to be looked at and changed soon or just shift smoother? I've heard it a few times over the years but maybe I've just been in a hurry the last couple weeks and been letting off the clutch too quick. I changed the diff oil about 6 months ago when I did the rear axle bearings. Any help is appreciated.
     
  2. Apr 18, 2025 at 7:58 AM
    #2
    bwise

    bwise Well-Known Member

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    Easy place to start might be greasing the driveshaft if you haven’t. Super easy job
     
  3. Apr 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
    #3
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco Well-Known Member

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    Try greasing your rear slip yolk (the one right in front of the rear diff). Timmy the Toolman has a good video (link below) on how to grease it and what grease to use to resolve what your describing.

    https://youtu.be/Jyltxe2nPEg?si=PRd16iVy7OG-7daK
     
  4. Apr 18, 2025 at 8:47 AM
    #4
    Toyoda213

    Toyoda213 Well-Known Member

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    great suggestions above to start with. Best way to check the u joints is to remove the driveshaft from the truck and inspect them.
     
  5. Apr 18, 2025 at 9:06 AM
    #5
    Deez11

    Deez11 [OP] Member

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    10-4 I'll check out the video. I've got a squeak, I'm assuming from one of the u joints whenever I go into reverse. I greased them and it went away for a few weeks but came back and more grease hasn't helped. I've got zero play in the u joints or any visual wear but I figured I've got some rusty needle bearings somewhere figured I'd change them all before to long. But laying under the truck with my hand on the driveshaft I'm all but certain it's coming from the diff. I'll check out the grease video and get that done though thanks.
     
  6. Apr 18, 2025 at 9:37 AM
    #6
    Parkvisitor

    Parkvisitor Do you know midnight?

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    stuff
    Yes on the Ford lube for the slip yoke, good stuff, just make sure to clean out the old grease.
     
  7. Apr 18, 2025 at 9:43 AM
    #7
    bwise

    bwise Well-Known Member

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    You could always just buy a new 4th gen. Just kidding wouldn’t trade my first gen for the world
     
  8. Apr 18, 2025 at 11:28 AM
    #8
    Deez11

    Deez11 [OP] Member

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    I watched the video and crawled under checked it again at lunch. I think that might be the problem. I'll get grease tonight and hopefully fix it tomorrow. Thanks for all the help I wouldn't have thought to check the splines.
     
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  9. Apr 18, 2025 at 11:33 AM
    #9
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco Well-Known Member

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    You probably thought it was the diff because that noise can kinda transmit through the driveline and make it seem that way. I've had to regrease mine twice in about 3 years to keep that noise away (using the Motorcraft grease Timmy uses in the video). Other greases will work but not for as long as the Motorcraft stuff in my experience
     
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  10. Apr 18, 2025 at 12:15 PM
    #10
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    The other thing to keep in the back of your mind is your rear springs. As you apply torque the pinion gear in the third member is trying to climb the ring gear and the end result of that is the third member rotates, as it rotates the driveshaft has to slide in and out of the slip joint shown above. I solved my 'issue' with an add a leaf, mine was an automatic and I am not sure if that is going to make a difference or not.
     
  11. Apr 18, 2025 at 7:38 PM
    #11
    Deez11

    Deez11 [OP] Member

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    Pulled it off this afternoon and y'all were absolutely right. With it loose from the diff the noise moved back up the driveshaft. I just used regular grease I had on hand for today but that back ujoint was worse than I thought so I'll have it back off again soon and can put some of the motor craft stuff. I replaced my stock springs with heavy duty springs cause my stocks were bending the other way and I got extra weight a flat ed and too many toolboxes, but Ive been thinking I need an add a leaf anyhow, might do that before long. Thanks for all the help y'all saved me some worry about having to rebuild the rear end.
     
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  12. Apr 18, 2025 at 8:58 PM
    #12
    MadNachos

    MadNachos Well-Known Member

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    I have a really sweet 1st Gen and I would totally trade it 1:1 for a nice 4th gen, lemme know if you know anyone...
     
  13. Apr 21, 2025 at 7:23 AM
    #13
    LightsOff

    LightsOff Well-Known Member

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    So did you just grease the splines, put it back and problem solved?
     
  14. Apr 21, 2025 at 8:18 AM
    #14
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco Well-Known Member

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    I can't speak for OP, but typically you want to fill the female end (rearward portion) that the splines slide into. If you watch the video linked above you'll see what I'm saying. Simply greasing the splines alone will likely remedy the issue, but only for a short period of time. That grease gradually works it's way up and out of the slip yolk.
     
  15. Apr 21, 2025 at 11:03 AM
    #15
    Deez11

    Deez11 [OP] Member

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    I did pretty much how he did it in the video, minus the Ford grease, and yes fixed it completely. Ill get the right grease and redo when I change that ujoint which will have to be soon. It may just be my imagination but it feels smoother when I start off in 1st gear now, maybe not but there is no noise now. The splines weren't dry or anything but I'm guessing the grease on them was old and gritty and that was my problem.
     
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