Popping noises in front diff??

[vnmsgt]

Well I just got done doing the diff fluids in the buggy and I seem to have a problem with the front diff it seems. I have it all put back together and with the buggy up on a stand and the suspension hanging down when I spin the wheels I get 2 small pops I hear. The front wheels seem to roll with some resistance when I turn them by hand but with the suspension not hanging down like if the buggy was on the ground or I was holding the arms up then the wheels spin freely with no popping. I have never had a buggy with the pivot ball suspension before and noticed how with the suspension hanging the wheels toe out so becuase of this, is this problem normal??? The diff clearance seemed fine when I shimmmed it but like I said it rolls fine and wheels spin freely with the suspension arms UP.

[rrmccabe]

I just posted about this. I have the same issue with steering but it sounds like the same issue as you.

Try backing those Pivot balls out and see if it goes away.

I think with the geometry changes and the shafts bottom out and the universal binds.

Before you tear it down grab the shaft and see if there is some play end to end. If not, its bottomed out.

[vnmsgt]

I read your post but did not hear anything about popping like mine but I guess it may be the same. When you say to grab the shaft do you mean the axles going to the wheels or the center driveshaft?

[vnmsgt]

I just felt the axles and driveshaft while turning the wheels and the popping is coming from the axles and not the center driveshaft. I loosened up the silver caps on the pivot balls a little and it still does it. ??????

[rrmccabe]

Have to loosen the caps and then unscrew the balls and then retighten caps.

[vnmsgt]

YOU ARE THE MAN!!:D I just had to loosen the bottom pivot balls about 1.5 turns and it is now perfect!

[zigzag]

can you put a pic please ? I don't understant what is the problem ?

[vnmsgt]

Here is a pic. When you let the front suspension hang freely and you spin the wheels by hand you will hear a popping sound from the axle I showed in the pic. You have to unscrew the pivot balls little by little till it goes away. The pivot balls were too tight (screwed in too far) and binding the axles at full travel. Hope this helps out.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/vnmsgt/POPPING.jpg

[zigzag]

Excellent vnmsgt !!!

Thank you very much for this info ....

Do you know this website for Caster Tuning ?

This is Steve Conway website ! Very cool guy ;)

http://www.rcmonstertruckforum.com/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=13;u=1

[vnmsgt]

Yes he is the guy I spoke to that told me where to buy the K8T and I read alot of his info about it too. I also bought my ZX1-R from someone on his forum. Very cool guy but seems to not like caster too much anymore for some reason. He races for Thunder Tiger now.

[BigC123]

Hey guy's been busy sorry coulnd give any information till now but here it is you need to have at least three threads showing on the bottom pillow ball and then back off the top on till you have no binding then you should have about -2degree camber in the front if you need more always move the bottom pillow ball first then adjust your top one to get the right camber, sorry can't give any pics right now i'm at work for 3 more days but after that I'll try to get you all up to speed hope this info helped out L8ter,:D:D

[rrmccabe]

We need to compile an official setup thread for the buggy and truggy. I can "sticky" the thread so it stays at the top.

I bought a new Xray NT1 road car and was looking at the manual. Its very detailed and gave me lots of insite on the ball adjustment.

[vnmsgt]

Hey guy's been busy sorry coulnd give any information till now but here it is you need to have at least three threads showing on the bottom pillow ball and then back off the top on till you have no binding then you should have about -2degree camber in the front if you need more always move the bottom pillow ball first then adjust your top one to get the right camber, sorry can't give any pics right now i'm at work for 3 more days but after that I'll try to get you all up to speed hope this info helped out L8ter,:D:D

Cool I will have to check mine and see if it is like you said. Good info though.

[hakmazter]

Maybe Rich should make a new owner's manual.....especially since the non computer guy is doing all the computer stuff. Sort of funny....everyone better watch out because he will know more about our products than anyone else. Ask him anything about a trailblazer ss. He has gm mechanics schooled occasionally......