ok so there are two things going on with my jeep. when im going very slow making a turn there is a rubbing/groaning sound from the rear of the vehicle. also when slowing down there is a fast knocking. like 2 knocks per second. they get louder if im slowing down and turning. rubbing/groaning goes away above like 10 mph. jeep is a 91' cherokee. i was thinking maybe something is up with the rear drums? i just replaced the rear end fluid and it didnt help

 

I experienced some rear end noises when driving out of the Taco Bell parking lot the other day, don't think they were from the Jeep though.

 

For some reason when I get to the last couple of gallons of gas in my xj it groans when I turn..haha
Yours could be caused by your rear differential though
For the knocking I would check rear drums and u joints

 

u joints were replaced. what should i look for in the drum. i know nothing about them haha

 

Well, first take the wheels off in the rear and then take the drum themselves off. Sometimes they can be stubborn and get stuck but they should just pull right off. Nothing will fall out or anything so don't be afraid. Visually check for any springs broken and take a look at the shoes and make sure they aren't completely wiped out

 

Drums are frigging dusty and rusty. Drivers side has black stuff all bubbled up in there. Shoes have meat on them tho lol

 

ok so i took apart my rear diff. the brakes need new shoes soon, not terrible yet, the axle had play because the lock screw was loose that was holding the big pin. so i took my axles out. cleaned them (there was a little sand in there) put new wheel bearings and seals in. put it back together and the knocking noise is still there... i am starting to think my tire size (33" Pro Comps) is to much strain on the rear diff and making things loose. thoughts????

 

is it a dana 35?
If you wheel at all I'd recommend you at least go to an 8.25 just to be safe

 

it is a dana 35 and i dont wheel often at the moment, but when i do its not so much crawling as opposed to exploring dirt roads and some rough stuff. i am actually looking into building an 8.25 for it

 

if it's something wrong with the diff I wouldn't put anymore money into it and just find yourself an 8.25. Just my 2 cents

 

i was just hoping the diff wont give out yet. is there a huge difference in strength between the 27 spline and 29 spline 8.25?

 

It's not a crazy difference but the 29 is preferable.
The 29 is comparable to a dana 44 or so everyone says.
I'm not easy on mine and it's held up just fine

 

there is a 27 spline for sale not far from me for $75 and i cant find any 29 splines around me. so im debating on picking that up and regearing and locking it

 

I'd go for it.
You could also upgrade to 30 spline if you get the shafts and a 30 spline locker

 

how would i do that? cuz i would like to rebuild it anyway? do i have to hone out the axle tubes?