This is my fault. I didn't tighten down all the lugnuts when I got the car, so they came loose and the wheel dulled the stud threads. In order to put on the new studs I took off the brake drum. I didn't get that on tight enough and there was no cotter pin to hold it in so it came loose. Drove on the freeway with a wobbly wheel and totally stripped all the spline grooves out of the hub, looks like a 2WD hub now very smooth. (splines on the spindle are fine though) I still need to drive until my new hubs arrive and I re-tighten the hub nut often since it comes loose just from driving. Anyway when I'm driving it makes loud clunking noises, especially in reverse, braking makes it worse. Am I going to have to change more than the hub? Nothing else looks worn out or broken.

 

And somewhat related, what tool/size do I use to get the plugs out of the rear diff so I can make sure it's full? That being dry would make noise too.

You may be damaging the splines on the axle, i'm not sure. Yes it does make an awful lots of noise.

 

nipper

Your new drums should be there pretty soon. TIGHTEN up this time silly!!! LOL

 

Todd