73 MF 135 rear problem

[meporsche]

Hello, I was driving out of the pasture after dropping off a round bale when I heard a metallic bang from the right rear hub area. I was pulling a small hill in 3rd Low when it happened and had a 900-1000# round bale on the 3ph.

I was able to get out of the pasture (with several more expensive noises) and once on level ground and not straining the noise is still there intermittently but not as loud. The wheel seems to stop for a split second then moves forward again.

Obviously, some stressed and hairlined part failed. I have never had the axle/diff open. I am assuming a splined shaft in the hub provides the drive. My guess is that one or more splines have broken, either on the shaft or the hub or both. The ring and pinion seems to be functioning normally at the diff.

Can anyone give me a clue as to what this might be b4 I open it up? Can a new axle shaft/hub be had or do I need to search the boneyards? If new is available, any parts sources recommended?

Thanks to any and all who can shed some light on my problem.

Darwin