Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler YJ engine mounts

Rear diff clicking sound from 1990 YJ

Wolfel06

New Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2025
Messages
2
Location
Zanesville, Oh
Just had the rear differential rebuilt. Put in 4:10 Yukon. Mechanic did a great job. After the rear differential work dropped it off at a local fabricator to have some rear frame repair. Welds look solid.

Upon driving home I noticed a clicking like sound. It wasn’t there before the weld job. While doing the welding on the frame, they replaced the bushings in the leaf springs where they bolt to the frame. After speaking with the fabricator, they shared with me that they think the rear diff and driveshaft angle are incorrect. Their thought is that before the weld and the new bushings there was too much movement in the back and it’s possible that that it gave it enough slop that it hid the issue with the angle.

The mechanic who worked on the rear diff is out of town on a ride and won’t be back till Monday. Obviously have an appointment scheduled with him. Had hoped to upload video but it’s not allowing it. Any input is appreciated. Sarcastic comments included, but prefer quality feedback!
 
What all did they weld?

Pinion angles can get pretty bad but I’d think they’d have to be really bad to be causing any clicking…I’d assume any clicking would be yoke ears clashing with every revolution. Some pics under the Jeep might help.
 
What all did they weld?

Pinion angles can get pretty bad but I’d think they’d have to be really bad to be causing any clicking…I’d assume any clicking would be yoke ears clashing with every revolution. Some pics under the Jeep might help.

I’ll take pics and add tomorrow. Tried to upload a video but it wouldn’t go. The new rear differential has maybe 30 miles on it. They repaired the rust on the frame from tire to bumper.
 
I had a weird clicking noise once on the right rear. I thought it might have been an axle or diff. Clicking was rotational and regular. Turned out the ebrake cable was too close to the wheel and was clipping a wheel weight every rotation.

I never suspected that to be the case but sure was happy that was all it was. Worth a check!
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler YJ engine mounts