June 26, 200916 yr Author 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.
June 26, 200916 yr Author 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!
June 27, 200916 yr 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
June 27, 200916 yr Author 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.
June 27, 200916 yr 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.
June 27, 200916 yr 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
June 27, 200916 yr Just ask this guy... "If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."
June 28, 200916 yr 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
June 28, 200916 yr How about some Metal epoxy bonds are generally stronger than the metal that it is holding together.
June 28, 200916 yr 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."
July 1, 200916 yr Are they the same across the GMT-400 line, or does the shorty Blazer/Jimmy have its own specific unit?
July 1, 200916 yr Are they the same across the GMT-400 line, or do the shorty SUVs have their own specific unit?
July 1, 200916 yr Author 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.
July 1, 200916 yr Author 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.
July 1, 200916 yr 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
July 1, 200916 yr 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.
July 15, 200916 yr Author Coming soon. Unless you want to send me some cash, then I'll get started right now!
September 17, 200916 yr Author 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.
September 17, 200916 yr Author Picking up the rear tomorrow morning, ordered the U-bolts today. Hopefully by Monday the Blazer will be functional again.
September 18, 200916 yr Awesome...I'm driving to Philly in the spring and I want to ride in that thing! Chris
September 19, 200916 yr Author 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.
September 21, 200916 yr Author 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!
September 21, 200916 yr Author 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, 200916 yr by Camino LS6
September 22, 200916 yr 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.
September 22, 200916 yr Author 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...
September 22, 200916 yr ...in a year or so when your living in New H. and life is better...you can buy another one. Chris
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