I recently went to an off road event and noticed that while on the trails in low range I would occasionally get a clunking noise coming from somewhere in the drive line. It occurred more often when turning right but not every time. It seemed very sporadic and never seemed to be induced by the same thing every time. Turning right was really the only common denominator, whether a sharp turn or not. Sometimes it would happen on a smooth, level surface and sometimes it would do it on more robust obstacles. It did not seem to affect the 4wd operation at all and I didn't get any warning lights during the entire 4 days of wheeling. It does not happen at all in high range.


Any ideas?

 

Have front lockers?

When was the last time differentials & transfer case serviced?

 

front lockers? KMET nobody has front lockers...

If you've ruled out the usual bushings (lower control arm and sway bar) then it could be the clutch packs in your rear diff, if you have the locker. Do you have the HD package?

 

Things I would check would be front axle CV joints, lower control arm bushings on the right side, and sway bar bushings. CV joints should be more of a "clicking" sound when you take turns, but I've heard them make clunking sounds too... Just depends on how they've worn. LCA bushings and sway bar bushings would definitely provide a clunk though and could certainly be dependent on which way you're turning.

 

I'd especially suspect the sway bar bushings if it's in a turn. The rear locker clutch pack noise is more of a "clank" anyway.

 

The rear wheel in pic is not centered: in the wheel well opening, bad bush iing one of the big ones is my guess, what mode are you using when the clunk happens

I have wheeled with guys with lr3 they can be noisy

 

Not true...

 

factory front lockers mind you

 

I meant factory front lockers, yes.

I did read (on this board) about someone installing ARB front lockers; I couldn't remember if that project had been completed.

 

You know, I haven't personally inspected Volkov's front diff - he may have just installed the ARB switch to mess with people.