Hey there, I was leaving school today and everytime I turn the car while driving I hear a really bad thud (almost like something hitting the underbody of the car). I looked under it and didn't see anything busted or that would dramatically interfere. I jacked it up and the axle isn't totally busted, but something in the rear is really damaged. I replaced the rear gears with 3.73's about a year ago and put in a POSI unit. The posi was freshly rebuilt and wheel bearing and seals were replaced.

What are the odds that either the axle splines are damaged or that its a cracked side gear? Which is more likely? Is there a way that I can check this without taking the diff cover off?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

pull the cover and look, i'd place the odd at or near zero for what you asked, but anythng can happen.