rear end issues???

[8ight-T]

there is a grinding noise coming from the rear end of my merv i am pretty sure it is the diff as that is where the sound is coming from it looks like some fluid may have leaked out from it as there is dome geulp around it i noticed it when I took the stock rear a arms off and replaced them with rpm ones but i doubt that is the source of the problem has anyone else had this problem i have had the merv since christmas but the sound just started i am thinking a bearing may have gone but i'm just wondering if anyone else has any suggestions as it is quite a project to take it apart

[Perkul8r]

Is it a grinding or a clicking noise. The clicking is a common issue and you just need to shim the diff.

[8ight-T]

when i turn both rear wheels i can feel each tooth mesh

[Perkul8r]

When I bought my MERV I could turn the wheels by hand and not feel anything. BUt once i was driving it, it had a bad clicking/grinding sound. I would check the ring and pinon gear for wear.

[Jimmie Neutron]

The only way to figure out where the noise is coming from is to disassemble and inspect.

When you reassemble, follow this procedure... you won't regret it!

You may feel meshing of teeth, but it is a whole new ballgame when you add power!

[8ight-T]

ok so i took the diff apart the right side bearing was a little sketchy but nothing enough to cause that sort of problem (i fixed the bearing) i noticed that the grinding/clicking goes away when you remove the rear skid plate something to do with holding the diff together as it squishes the pins together to hod the diff together i cannot find anything wrong with the unit so i am guessing i need to shim it my question is how do i do that and what shims do i use?

[Jimmie Neutron]

Follow the link in the post I wrote above.

[8ight-T]

so 3 shims on each side of the diff?

[Jimmie Neutron]

Where did you get that from?

[8ight-T]

I ended up with 3 shims in each bulkhead.
Associated 21141. They come with 4 shims per pack.
copy + pasted form your link

[flyingwolf]

That is what he ended up with. You may only need 1 or may need 5, (doubtful) but you need to follow the directions and take your time to do it right, you will figure out how many you need.

[Jimmie Neutron]

Part of my confusion is that I took what 8ight-T said as he is wanting to put 3 shims on the side of the red arrow AND 3 more shims on the wrong side, the side without the arrow.

[8ight-T]

ok thanks that makes sense

[Angrytetsuo]

Should I get the aluminum bulkheads? I keep stripping diffs, either wear out the ring gear or stip teeth off all together. like six so far, I shim the diff over and even shim the pinion in closer. I hate to shell out $100 for bulkheads but if that will help.
I run a center diff! I think when it wheelies then the front hits the ground the front wheels are going so fast that the shock of them slowing strips the front diff.
maybe if someone made a real steel ring gear!

[8ight-T]

got the diff fixes i ended up having to put 4 shims in but it works great now its just as smooth as the front now
thanks for the help