Working on a 2005 Montero. Big shoes to fill. Some issues to fix.

[Monstero]

Very glad to hear u got the issue worked out....crazy that the diff was on its way out. ..

Since I have welded my rear I have never regretted it 4 years ago. The difference is amazing.

 

[Michael Brown]

Just got back from shop after timing/water pump service. Had new drive belt installed since it was coming off anyway. $180 for parts from RockAuto. $460 labor/coolant at shop. They replaced all seals and water pump gaskets as well. Next will be trans fluid change and OEM brake pads. Afterwards I will test it on one of the trails near here.

 

[Michael Brown]

After a long couple of drives with the Montero and new differential, I am starting to hear the same noise again. I really hope it is not about to break another differential, but I cannot find what might be causing the issue. Both rear wheels and their axles turned smoothly when I did the swap. Could a bad rear driveshaft cause the differential to fail? How could I check if the rear driveshaft is out of balance? There is no shaft support bearing, just mounting flanges for the transfer case flange and rear diff.

 

[Monstero]

I don't see a driveshaft being the culprit. They are carbon fiber driveshaft so just be cautious when handling it, no dropping it or banging on it as it may compromise the integrity. U would surely feel it I am guessing if it was out of balance. Very odd problem though, and hope someone else may be able to chime in.

 

[Monstero]

From what I know most diff failures are the result of low gear oil and not shimmed and set up properly with the pinion bearing. These differential we have are much bigger than necessary in our rigs so weakness is ruled out...hmmm

 

[Michael Brown]

I put oil in when it was installed and I will check the level again. There was no noise after install but now with about 800 miles I think I am starting to hear it again around 55mph. I am really hoping it is just something else causing the noise or my own imagination.