I just got my drive shaft replaced with a Tom Woods. The front facing u joints were completely seized up. I also had the guy working on it change the fluids in the transfer box, gear box and both diffs as I had no idea when it was last done. The oil that came out was black and he said he found some chunks in the transfer case fluid.

When I’m driving I hear this horrible noise, I don’t know how to describe it so I took a video:
https://streamable.com/8ueakb

Could this be the transfer case or front diff, or both? That’s an expensive fix if so. Just looking for some advise as I’m at a loss here.

 

That definitely sounds like gear noise to me. The fact that it seems to change on coast suggests diff to me, but that could be a red-herring. Very first thing, I would be checking fluid levels all around.

And a couple of follow-up questions.

1. Did he save the chunks for you? If so can you post pics of them?
2. Do you know what fluid he put in the gearbox, t-case or diffs? What is your confidence level that they were the right fluids and not just what he thought/had on hand?

Assuming the fluids are at the correct levels, my next thought would be that it is not the correct fluid.

 

To update the situation, I had to get the car towed. The noise got a lot worse and I pulled over. When I tried to put it into gear again after that it wouldn't have it at all.

1. Did he save the chunks for you? If so can you post pics of them?
No he didn't, he said that the oil that came out was black.

2. Do you know what fluid he put in the gearbox, t-case or diffs? What is your confidence level that they were the right fluids and not just what he thought/had on hand?
He did tell me, but I can't remember. I have high confidence that he put the right stuff in though. He specialises in Landrovers and when he was talking to me about it he gave me very detailed explanations of why he puts what in and why its the best.


Also might be worth mentioning, even when I put it into neutral and let it coast, I was hearing that noise.

 

@Abandisco Yea that sounds like the transfer case failed, "some chunks" is never a good thing

 

Well I’m relieved that’s the issue, I was planning on getting that replaced next month anyway, just pushed my plans forward. I was worried it might have been the transmission which would cost significantly more and is absolutely not in my plans…

Thanks for the advise!