Rear Differential Rattle

[Fla2002]

'76 2002

I have had a rattle in the right rear which occurs when the suspension reacts to bumps. It is not the exhaust, shocks, anything in the trunk. I believe I found the rattle and it appears the right half shaft is moving back and forth vertically. The noise appears when I move the shaft towards the differential and hits the carrier. I have to give it a hard shove and it makes that noise. Sometimes there is resistance but it then loosens and makes that noise.

 

The car shows 46,000 miles but who knows for sure. I did a complete suspension rebuild, new bushings, shocks, center support bearing, etc. The shaft boots are in good shape but I am leaning towards the CV Joint.

 

Any thoughts???

[jimk]

The shafts can be moved axially if the cv joints are not stuck.  With the suspension fully extended to the shock stroke limit there should still be some play.