Hot Rods Clutch woes

This is often times the case and why I use the Gauge. I also have delt direct with Dutchman many many years when they were in my back yard. So now do the Math before you order yet another pair of Axles. Take the new center section and measure the center stop point width from a housing bolt hole on both sides, then you'll know for sure the gauge is spot on.

 

If the shop doing your Housing hasn't done it yet and can stand to move the bearing receivers inboard to match the Axles that might be a better choice. You can always use a cheeter spacer to move the wheels back to your current start point.

 

Are you talking about a measurement from the cross pin to a housing bolt hole, on each side?
That's the only "stop point" I see inside the center section. Are the axles supposed to touch the cross pin? I'd think a little "breathing room" would be needed. A 16th at least.
I picked up the finished housing yesterday.

 

I suggest you contact the manufacturer of the Tru-trac and show them both the template you are using and the results you are getting. They are the ones who should know the correct way to measure axles for use with their differential.

I can't remember how much different in length Ford 9" axles are ... is there any chance one of your longer axles can be cut to fit the shorter side?

All that aside for a minute, I see you have a lathe ... if you have a 220V mig, you could chop up some of your existing axles to cut-and-paste a set that are the "correct" length, toss them in and test drive it for clunks before ordering more axles. Also keep in mind, the axles being too short is still just a theory as to whether or not it is an actual issue that is causing your clunk. The axle lengths you have may be acceptable (the diff manu will know this I suspect) and the cause of your clunk is still hiding somewhere else.

 

The actual cross pin width plus a 1/16.

That's the only "stop point" I see inside the center section. [/QUOTE]

Correct

Are the axles supposed to touch the cross pin? [/QUOTE]

You don't want contact.

I'd think a little "breathing room" would be needed. A 16th at least. [/QUOTE]

When dealing with Dutchman axles the 1/16" is figured into his pattern for measure


I picked up the finished housing yesterday. [/QUOTE]

I guess that explains this photo,

 

Waiting on my last pieces to put it back together.
I decided to (for now) use the axles as they are. They pulled OK on my last test drive.
Axles are relatively easy to change out. I don't have to remove the whole axle housing and all.
I need to get some drive time in and check other systems...like brakes.
I will to a stationary test with it up on stands to see (hear) if the clunking has gone away.

 

Thanks for the update. Hopefully you'll find the noise is actually just the exhaust touching the frame or a suspension link (heim end) making a bit of racket ... something along those lines.

 

If you've not already got one, treat yourself to a mechanics stethescope. Best 10 dollars or so you'll ever spend! Sure you can do it with a dowel, screwdriver or similar but the sensitivity of the correct tool is amazing. You'll go around testing everything! They're also rather light and long so I feel they're much safer too, especially for the likes of me with girly hair!

Chris

 

I HAVE one of those. I bought it several years ago...now if it can find it...
I STILL have the clunking sound. From inside the car, it sounds like it's coming from the rear.
From outside I can't really tell. It's awful.
Car on stands sitting on the axle, so full weight on the axle. It sounds like something in the rear end.
I rechecked the pinion angle. I adjusted it to match the angle of the trans hoping that was the problem. Nope.
Neutral, clutch out, nothing. Third gear at idle it clunkity plunkity like the gears have a rock floating around. It's driving me nuts. Leaving the car running, in gear, I can feel it in the shifter. I leave it running and go out back and put my hands on everything and I can't feel anything. Exhaust is not hitting anything or rattling. After a minute, it gets so bad I run around and shut it off.

 

Could it be something in the ******? I have read your whole thread, but can't remember what you said about ******. Maybe remove drive shaft and check for same noise you are now hearing? 60 Special

 

This is just to Bazarr! Might be time to call in another set of ears to help with location. Maybe trailer it over to a shop that does Trans and Diff work mechanic's there take a listen. You're convinced everything is Right yet something isn't. Might be time to trailer it to a Trans - Diff shop and have them take a listen. Tearing it apart again is just more time and $$$ spent for what? Getting Old ****s

 

I did test that before I put the driveshaft back in.
Clutch out, engine running trans in 1,2 and 3rd gear.
Quiet, no clanking.

 

I’m pretty much “there” now (trailering it somewhere).
Getting old does ****, but it beats the alternative.
I’ve got just under 2 weeks to the show.

 

I feel your pain buddy.

 

Keep us posted

 

Geeze! So, no load on it, wheels in the air, a rhythmic clunking from the rear? With the rotation of the rear wheels? Same on the road? Would you say it is at wheel speed or faster? If you were to kick it into neutral, still there?

 

Have you checked the gear lube for metal after or the magnet on the drain plug if it has one after the round of clunking?

I'm sure you tried it; but if you turn the driveshaft by hand can you feel or sense anything?

 

I don’t remember from all the post. Drum brakes in the rear? If so, it is very possible a brake shoe is catching as the drum turns. That I have experienced before and it can sound as you describe. Pretty loud!

 

Drum brakes, adjusted fairly loose. But that's another avenue for me to check.
No drain plug. I pumped out the oil the last time I took it out, just a little "dust" in the bottom after it settled for a few days.
I noticed a marked improvement in the ease of turning the rear yoke by hand after having the housing fixed. (I DID clean it out with engine cleaner, water hose sprayer followed by brake clean and rags ran through the axle tubes and the rest of the housing before re***embly)
I can hear no clunking or s****ing turning it by hand in either direction. Drive shaft connected or not.
I heard it initially on my first drive (the video) and I didn't hear anything until I got enough speed to get 3rd gear, then it started.
It generally starts once it gets some speed. I don't really hear anything in first, until I rev it up more.
I called places I know of around here and everyone is busy. Mid December before I can get it in somewhere. The show (Rodders Reunion) is a week from this Thursday. I've decided to leave it as is until after that. It'll move itself from the trailer to the building, I just can't go much more than a crawl.
I wish I could post a couple videos. For some reason the HAMB won't take a .MOV or a MP4.
I'll try a new post and see if it'll take it. I'll call it "Rear Axle Woes". If you don't see it, it didn't work either.

 

You can upload your video to YouTube, then embed the video here, by using this ****on (copy from YouTube, paste link here):

 

In your posted photo of the Dog Bone in place and both axles in place the Axle to the right was quite short of the measurement marker. What did you do to correct that? If nothing, I would call the ph# on the dog bone and talk to someone there and get firsthand info as how critical the gap or lack of is. I'd also let them know who's diff parts you have installed. You may get information none of us have covered.

 

Thanks, I'll try that.
Did I post the first drive video? I thought I did but now I can't find it.'
See if either of these work. The share one is the axle noise. It wouldn't let me embed it.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ttnQYKLvL3c?feature=share

 

OK, thanks.

 

NOW THATS what it ALL about right there!!!! Congrats....

 

It was pretty cool until I heard a clanking and thunking. I immediately pulled into the neighbors driveway and turned around.
Still haven't determined the cause.
I decided to work on a lawnmower and see if I could fix THAT...
So far go good on the lawnmower. LOL