I also think that you should investigate further before you tear into the diff.  Raise the car, start it, put it into gear and then listen to and examine the drivetrain.  If there are no noises coming from the diff, move to the wheel and listen to it too.  Be sure the car is on a lift when you do this.  You don't want it running through the garage door or the back wall.

Thanks guys. I'll do that first. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and save myself a lot of time and money!

Do not jack it up and run the drive train unless the trailing arms are supported in the normal loaded position. If you put it in gear with the wheels hanging it will self destruct. Halfshafts or u-joints will fail if left at an unloaded angle.

Scott

Alright well all the lifts were in use today so I put it up on jackstands. Moved the wheels by hand and listened in.

(modified large image to link)Adams' Apple2007-12-07 20:11:06

You might want to pull the other side as well, I'm sure that side is not in good shape either. Take care of it before that side starts locking up on you also.

Great news Josh! Man, thats the kind of trouble I don't mind finding. Thanks for the pics. Look forward to meeting up with ya sometime soon.

Scott
ranger32007-12-07 19:51:44

[QUOTE=defsegx]Guys who guessed ebrake take the prize. I'm so darn happy now [/QUOTE]


OH BOY!!!! What is the prize?!?!?
A bag of spit?
Roll of two-ply?
Invisible car?
Pink flamingos for the yard?



   

Glad ya got it figured out, and didn't have to rip into the diff! I would go ahead and check the other side...like was said...it prolly ain't in much better shape...