I was wheeling a week ago (93 SB 4x) and one of the rear tires got airborne under power and then slammed back down. I heard a loud noise in the back like the bumper hit a rock, that kind of sound.
I went to pick up a gun safe yesterday and with it loaded on the way home, while moving away from a stop there is a lound clunk in the back and the truck does't move until after the clunk.
I am going to jack up the rear axle get the tires off the gorund and see what's going on. I also have to determine the rear gear ratio, as the previous owner got hit on the drivers side and
failed to ensure the body shop kept the ident sticker on the door frame.
I sure hope it's not a broken axle. If it is it might be difficult to get out. Anyone every had a similar experience and could shed some light. ? Thanks

 

you may have broken a tooth on either the pinion or the ring gear

I have done that a few times over the years

broken axles are usually fairly easy to get out

 

Thanks - well it still drives around and it doesn't make any real noise unless there is a load on it.. or starting off uphill. That makes sense though, broken tooth.
Guess I'm going to get to take the third out to inspect it and repair if necessary. Maybe I'll just buy a new one once I find the ratio.
How does one get a broken axle out of the carrier? - I guess another question is where along the axle do they normally break?

 

If it had a broken axle it wouldn't move.

 

2nd this ^^^^^^

 

Autopsy, examine for failure point. Could be just an axle bearing packing up, or split down the middle.