I have been chasing a annoying noise since I bought this truck that sounds like a small gauge chain being dragged underneath the truck.

I found it today after checking the prop shaft rebuild. After the front end of the prop shaft meets the front differential, right behind the four bolts, there is a metal ring (pointed to by the arrow, that is completely loose.

Can someone please advise? Can I just punch it back into its home?

 

From the Rave it looks like the Pinion Flange, on p.54-7.

I won't have time to look closely into it until Wednesday and I just purchased the truck so curious how severe a problem this is....

The seal behind it appears to be holding, unless it's completely dry.

 

Im not sure why it would be loose. But I would suggest stop driving the truck, pull the prop shaft, and inspect the flange nut. If loose Tighten it down to RAVE spec (90ftlb??).

Squeeze some grease into the propshaft u-joints while you're under there.

 

I agree

 

Plenty of grease in the U-s, I just rebuilt the propshaft.

I've looked through the diff rebuild posts and can't find anything that elaborates on the flange.

My current plan is to drain the differental, and assuming its holding oil, I'll just secure the flange with the nut and call it good......I'm sure it will not be that simple...the manual does mention a special tool (LRT-51-003) to secure the flange while the nuts removed.

 

My last offroader had the exact same issue - It's basically just a dust shield. Put it in as best you can and put a little ring of RTV around it and it'll shut it up. It's nothing critical at all - and yes, that jingling will drive you mad.

Dave

Edit: Put the RTV on the outside edge of it, as the inside edge spins. Just being overly clear.

 

Dave....THANKS!!! I've been sitting here at work stressing over it.

Thanks to everyone else on this forum too, this is great!