There's nothing visually wrong with the axle yet it doesn't lock and the axle itself can rotate around the tranny opening (not actually spin...just wobble so to speak).

We're guessing it's the differential. I'm going to pull the other side later to compare.

I'm hoping a friends differential is still in good condition. If not, looks like my Lude will be down for a bit. If I can't source a stock one for dirt cheap locally, I'll be looking for either an LSD or a tranny with LSD. Might as well take advantage of this mishap and upgrade, right?

Any ideas on what might cause the above symptoms?

 

have you been chirping the tires throgh first and into 2nd? I reckon I've bust a STJ bearing on the inboard joint of mine, it cliks between load (on/off throttle at low speed.) Got a replacement but havent had chance to sort it yet.

If yours does wobble like you say then it sounds like you've either snapped the extruding splined bar (gearbox side of the inboard joint)off or you've chewed and mangled the diff.

 

Axle looks fine. it has to be inside the tranny. So you think it's the diff too?