Front differential

[gotdirt]

Greetings from Northern Michigan,
I’m starting to restore a 79 CJ5.
It has a 4.2 liter and a three speed transmission.
I felt a wobble in the front driveline upon inspection I discovered the front ring gear has a few teeth missing.
Also the axle shafts seem to have a lot of play in them.
Where do I start?
Thank you in advance,
Jake

 

[82cj7son]

the wobble shouldn't be coming from the ring. that's gunna be front end suspension I'd say. I'd replace the ring and pinion ASAP though if it's missing teeth.

 

[82CJ7JEEP]

The wobble could come from the loose axle shafts especially If a bearing is going. If you have the mechanical ability I would pull and inspect the shafts, seals, bearings etc. As the son says I would replace the ring and pinion at your earliest convenience. If you have no plans on wheeling anytime soon you could wait on the ring and pinion.