front differential problem
 

Hi,

I have a 1998 s10 Blazer with 4 wheel drive. Recently when I am driving, mainly up and down large hills or on a rough road, it sounds like it's trying to go into 4 wheel drive. It sounds like a siren going off, when slowing down it gets louder. If I put it in 4 wheel drive it clunks in then put it back in 2 wheel drive and it's back to normal. When changing the oil the other day I noticed that the front differential housing (carrier) is a connected to a tubular bar going across the truck from side to side, and the section of the differential housing that is connected to that bar (it appears to have some kind of rubber bushing there also) is completely broken away from the housing. I guess this is just to support the differential and allow it to move up and down slightly. I am pretty sure this is the cause of my problem, does any one have any other ideas about what it could be if that isn't it. Also how difficult is it to remove that differential housing to replace it?

Thanks,

Dion

RE: front differential problem
 

If you have access to a digital camera, please take some pictures of the area you are describing.

I'll try to pull up an exploded view of your front end after work today if I can.

RE: front differential problem
 

OK, thanks a lot. I will get some pictures put up as soon as possible. It might be a couple days though.

Thanks again,

Dion

RE: front differential problem
 

Just an added bit of information, the part that is broken is seen when looking at the differential from the drivers side.

Dion