Two different Q's

[hsals]

1. Today when I was outside running my merv a weird clicking noise started. I went inside to check. It wasn't the gear box, it wasn't the front, it was the back. So I took the back apart to check. The little hole with the differential (i thing it's called) was full of sand, so no wonder :p
But then after I cleaned it and checked it for missing gears it was another sound, still clicking. The first time it was hard to make the back wheels spin. Now it's sometimes smooth and sometimes hard (mostly smooth). Now when I think about it, it might be this one that some sand sneaked in in. http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/reviews/1165/65.jpg
What might be the problem?

2. I'm planning to make it 2wd just for fun. But is there any part that can get damaged if I do that?

[emsdad]

Sounds like the Diff. I would think if you took out the front drive shaft it wouldnt hurt to run in 2wd.

[Krispy]

2. I'm planning to make it 2wd just for fun. But is there any part that can get damaged if I do that?

You won't have any problems running it in 2wd unless you have installed a center diff. With the center diff installed most of the power will go to the open side.

You won't enjoy it too much in 2wd if you just remove the rear diff. I would recommend taking the diff assy out of the front and installing it in the rear until you clean/replace the original rear diff.

I recommend you clean the ring AND pinion with an old toothbursh and some degreaser, afterwards rinse it of with hot water and blow dry with compressed air. Use a coating of light oil to help prevent any corrosion on the metal parts.

I did this last night to my rear diff while installing my CVD's. Just good maintainance.