looking for some advice before I locktite and refit some parts.

the other day my truck was making a rubbing noise, sounded like a wheel rubbing but wasn't, hit 40mph and a loud bang and crash and my propshaft came away from the rear axle, the nut that holds the metal gear to the axle which the propshaft attaches too had come off, the whole thing was still attached to the propshaft, I have no idea how this happened.

so after unbolting prop and limping in diff back home im about to start repairs.

nothing sounds broken or griding when the rear axle is on stands.

but I can remember when I had the truck rear wheels jacked up ages ago if I turned a wheel one way the other would go in the reverse direct.

this isn't happening anymore if I grab the spline and turn it without the prop only the drivers wheel turns, if I put force into it the passenger will turn the opposite. both wheels now turn independently.

can someone give me a reason why it was turning opposite before and not now? or am I just clueless

is this right or do I need to repair the axle before I put it back together?

If you hold the input pinion still then turn a wheel the other should go in the opposite direction. If the pinion is free to move then it will turn when you spin one wheel. If you hold the pinion, spin the wheel and the other doesn't move then you have diff / half shaft or drive member issues.

you need a new diff

perfect thank you! I've check and held the pinion and both wheels turn so no faults with the diff
now I can Loctite and put it back together!