I finally stole a few minutes to start diagnosing the driveline clunk this afternoon. I put the Blazer up on jackstands, fired it up, put it in gear, and let it idle , spinning the wheels. I got out and listened to where the noise was coming from.

The good news is that it isn't the transfer case.

The bad news is that it's the rear diff.

I may start taking it apart tonight.

I dropped by the dealership and had them look up all the option codes/history using the VIN.

So I may need a 3.42 locking rear.

Thanks for the lead, WMJ.

I think I'll go open it up right now. The suspense is killing me - I have to know what's broken!

Problem found!

FTW!

Now I need to decide a real course of action.

Now I need to decide a real course of action.

1) Remove driveshaft

2) Put lever into 4wd

3) Drive around in FWD Tahoe

Edit: You get any pics of that weird hinge rust?

Edited June 27, 200916 yr by Satty

1) Remove driveshaft

2) Put lever into 4wd

3) Drive around in FWD Tahoe

Edit: You get any pics of that weird hinge rust?

HA!

You read my mind, Satty. If I decide not to do the repair here, that's exactly how it will get to the shop!

No pics of the hinge rust yet - I'll attack that after this problem is solved.

I promise to post pics.

Now I need to decide a real course of action.

Everyone's a joker tonight!

Problem Solved.

If it moves and it shouldn't: duct tape.

If it doesn't move and it should: WD-40

The only tools you need in life.

You think this is funny...but several years ago I worked a second part time job at auto zone. We had an enraged customer who came in just screaming because the tourque converter he'd put back together with jb weld had come apart.

Nice looking truck, Camino.

Chris

Just ask this guy...

"If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."

Just ask this guy...

"If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."

the best thing to ever come from canada.

one of my favorite skits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh5XVPSx9Dk

How about some

Metal epoxy bonds are generally stronger than the metal that it is holding together.

A little late, but congrats on the truck Camino! Nice to see a rare 5-spd combo in good hands.

Speaking of JB Weld and Duct Tape, one of my favorite parts from Gran Torino is when Walt is getting Tao started off with tools for his construction job, and hands him a can of WD-40, a vice grip, and roll of duct tape and says "any man worth his salt can fix just about anything with these three things."

Thanks Mustang.

I'm going to go take a look at a new rear for it tomorrow.

Are they the same across the GMT-400 line, or does the shorty Blazer/Jimmy have its own specific unit?

Are they the same across the GMT-400 line, or do the shorty SUVs have their own specific unit?

There are a number that could be in it as far as locker/non-locker, ratio, and so on. But most, if not all, half tons (truck,Blazer/Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon) use the same basic 10-bolt unit.

Mine has a locker and the 3.42 ratio.

I found a whole rear with new guts (bearings, seals, ring and pinion, even new wheel cylinders and brakes).

For $400.

So I think I'll go that route.

A little late, but congrats on the truck Camino! Nice to see a rare 5-spd combo in good hands.

Speaking of JB Weld and Duct Tape, one of my favorite parts from Gran Torino is when Walt is getting Tao started off with tools for his construction job, and hands him a can of WD-40, a vice grip, and roll of duct tape and says "any man worth his salt can fix just about anything with these three things."

Gran Torino is one of the best movies of the last couple years IMHO...the car didn'tn hurt, but the story and acting were very good...

Saw it with the local VW club and we all liked it...

Chris

I found a whole rear with new guts (bearings, seals, ring and pinion, even new wheel cylinders and brakes).

For $400.

Sounds like a winning plan to me. WTF made it self destruct like that anyways?

Chris

So I think I'll go that route.

Would an admin please move this thread to the Projects Forum?

Done-ski

Thanks, Z !

So where's the project progress? We expect chronicles!

Coming soon.

Unless you want to send me some cash, then I'll get started right now!

Think that's a problem we all have, Camino!

Chris

Well, I'm planning to go check out that rear I posted about oh so long ago. I'll take some measurements and a pic or two and give the guy a call in the morning to try to verify that it is the right one.

Then it will be an hour and 20 minute ride to go get it.

I'll post pics if it works out.

Picking up the rear tomorrow morning, ordered the U-bolts today.

Hopefully by Monday the Blazer will be functional again.

Awesome...I'm driving to Philly in the spring and I want to ride in that thing!

Chris

If I still have it then...

The rear is here, now the fun starts.

Knee-deep in this project now, the old rear is out and the new one should be in in a few hours. Taking a dinner break.

Pics later.

Disaster!

New rear is installed, but the fill plug will not come out of the housing so I can't fill it with gear oil!

I'm so pissed!

Damn, Camino...always something, right?

Chris

Yeah, what a PITA!

I ended up doing it the very hard way - through the breather tube.

It was like trying to force honey through the world's slowest funnel, it took hours to get 2.5 quarts into the damned thing.

But it's done, and a quck test drive says everything works.

I'll post some pics tomorrow.

Edited September 21, 200915 yr by Camino LS6

EXCELLENT news.

Chris

The pics aren't really worth the effort to host and post.

How does thre fill plug come out? Would saturating it in rust penetrant and letting it sit overnight buy you anything...you know, for next time :wink:

I'm glad to hear it's running and driving. I'll go out on a limb and say it won't be long before you talk yourself out of the idea of flipping it.

The fill plug is threaded into the side of the housing and can (usually) be unscrewed using a 3/8" extension stuck into the square recess in the center and a rachet.

Tried the best penetrant I know of (a GM item BTW), to no avail. I guess I'll have a shop use a torch to get it out eventually.

As for flipping it, I really don't have much choice.

If I did...

...in a year or so when your living in New H. and life is better...you can buy another one.

Chris

I hope that's how it works out.

The Blazer is inspected, legal, and roadworthy as of today.

Good to hear..progress!

Yeah, progress is good for my head.