300tdi in an '84 110. The front axle is a LHD 10 spline. Transfer box, gear box, engine from a Disco 94.

While driving there was a 'fuzzy' griding noise and the engine seemed to struggle for a moment or two, as if the wheel (or something) was resisting turning. this happened while doing perhaps 15-20 mph.

Then the car made a noise (just about captured in the black video). The noise is less (or gone?) when in neutral, and different when the car is going downhill and pulling the engine. it's gone when stopped, with engine running.

I jacked up the car. the wheel bearings all seems ok, the UJ's have no play.

Bad noise from the transfer box I think.

Questions:
- WTF? Is the front diff dead? I almost wouldn't mind that, as it has needed scrapping for years
- Transfer box shot?
- Something else?


The noise starts at 20 seconds


Jacked up front wheel


Slack in the system

Did you rev the engine up while stationary and in neutral? Test with the serpentine belt off too. I had a similar noise and it turned out to be the alternator

LT230's are pretty solid things. Heavy gears that don't tyically make a 'fuzzy grinding' noise when they go. It's typically more 'several bricks and a lump hammer in a cement mixer' sort of sound.

Youi do have a reasonable amount of slack in that diff you are showing us, clanky too, they tend to a bit more than a 'fuzzy grinding' when they go TU too.
What's the oil levels like ?

miktdish said:

LT230's are pretty solid things. Heavy gears that don't tyically make a 'fuzzy grinding' noise when they go. It's typically more 'several bricks and a lump hammer in a cement mixer' sort of sound.

Youi do have a reasonable amount of slack in that diff you are showing us, clanky too, they tend to a bit more than a 'fuzzy grinding' when they go TU too.
What's the oil levels like ?

Click to expand...

That’s my next task, going to drain both and see what comes out and re fill them

Blizzard44 said:

Did you rev the engine up while stationary and in neutral? Test with the serpentine belt off too. I had a similar noise and it turned out to be the alternator

Click to expand...

Yeah no noise in neutral, so I’m tempted to rule out anything engine mounted