Basically, long story short, I misread a corner and my back end on my AP1 got loose and i slammed into a curb. My passenger side rear was destroyed. So far, I have replaced:

Entire knuckle (lower ball joint snapped off the knuckle)
wheel bearing
lower control arm
stabilizer arm

Now the wheel is straight and looks good and true. I drove it for the first time in a while last night, and got some noise from the diff.

Basically, it feels like there is more play then usual in the diff. I remember there being a little bit of acceptible stock lash in the differential, but now it feels like that lash is much more and louder. After taking a look, I guess my options would be the passenger side rear axle or the differential itself but I cant figure out a way to properly test either.

Can anyone give me an idea of what to look for/test to find out what i need to fix?

 

You sure the cv shaft is good too?
I would measure the diff's backlash as well. It may clue you into any damage.

1st thing to do though, give the cv cups a good shake. They should wiggle a little, but if the damaged side wiggles more than the "good" side you may have broken a cap. If the noise keeps getting louder you may be able to save it if you stop now. If you really think the diff is damaged, I would drop it immediately and crack it open to try and save it. Either that or save up for a used replacement. If you hear any snaps or pops, it's pretty much done.

I know it's a bunch of questions, but there are many things it could be. Just don't guess though and waste a bunch of money.

 

take a look at the metal shields right where the axle goes into the dif. compare them side to side.

You will see right away if one is flared, meaning the axle got shoved into the dif.

 

Thanks guys.

I tested the play in the axels and they both feel equal as far as play goes. Nothing that seems axle/cv related. This all points to the diff now. I will jack it up next chance I get and compare. Was planning on building a diff to pair with my ap2 trans regardless. But like you said. I would like to know whats wrong before i spend anymore money.

 

Jacked it up for the 100th time today. Found a definite culprit. The passenger side rear axle is bent just enough to give it that little bit of backlash. Diff shields looked mint, luckily. So hopefully the last piece of this expensive puzzle will be the axle. Thanks again!