Virgin TJ issues....

[Gastank]

Ok guys,
Here's one for you to nuke out. Virgin 97 TJ, bone stock with 31 all terrains. driving is true, but on acceleration there is a consistent grind at low speed and whine at high speed. I'm hoping it's not what I think it might be.... but any insight would be great.
Thanks round-eyes!
GT

[calvynandhobbs]

How many miles? Where does the noise seem to be coming from? Could it be a wheel bearing? Wheel bearings will have a lower toned grinding sound at lower speeds and then the pitch will increase as speed increases.

[Axle]

That, or it could be a ujoint for the front axle or one of your driveshafts.

[Gastank]

When the guy told me about it, I thought it might be a wheel bearing... but when I drove it it showed no signs of wheel bearing. I thought it might be u joint, but they seem good. no play in them at all... they are non-greasable. Next saturday, I'm going to give it a once over, Transfer case, tranny, pull the u-joints and slap some grease in there see what happens. I have seen where a ring/pinion setup incorrectly gives the same indications, but it was fine when he shipped it so I'm not too concerned with the diff. I plan on checking the fluid in there too though. Thanks for the input.
GT

[PaulW]

It's too hard to diagnosis of a keyboard.  Someone would have to look at it in person.  Does the sound increase/decrease when you turn corners??

[Sandbox Sailor]

When I did an oil change at Sears, I had them check the diff fluid. They didn't put the plug back in the rear correctly, and it fell out somewhere, and inevitably, I didn't find it until I was giving the underside a once over AFTER wheeling in ddep water. I took it back to Sears and they refilled the gear oil and put in a new plug. After time, I started hearing something like what you are explaining. I took it to the dealer (it was under warranty, obviously before I lifted it), and they said it looked like the rear diff was full of water, They fixed it under the warranty, but that is what caused my problem.

[Gastank]

Thanks sandbox,
I understand how hard it is to diagnose a keyboard. I don't normally come here for that reason.... I am normally the one asked the questions. This one is different for some reason. Like I said before it grinds at low speed and whines at high. I'll check the Diff fluid. That was the other thing I was thinking. I have heard the whine just before a diff blows up, or when the backlash isn't set right. This doesn't sound the same. There is no difference when you make a turn, it shifts into 4h and 4l just fine. everything works as it should, with the exception of the "mystery noise"
Thanks for the help
GT

[PaulW]

Shoot me a pm we'll see if we can set up a time for me to look at it for ya.

[Axle]

He's in Italy...

[PaulW]

He's in Italy...

We'll then i guess it'll be a long wait.

[Gastank]

Yeah it's a little long for my taste,
Anyway I tore into it yesterday and come to find a very neglected drivetrain. Transfer case was about 1 quart lower on ATF +3, which you can't buy here. so I just used high mileage. The diff fluid looked good but when I pulled the drums I found that the D/Side outter bearing on the rear was to blame. now onto ordering the parts and getting him squared away.

[PaulW]

As long as you get er done!