strange noise coming from front diff shaft.

[scesnick]

thanks norm. I will take a look at that.

 

[kenmac]

If the drop down box (as I call it ) where your drive shaft connects at the tractor end can be removed (mine can ). I would take a look there also.

 

[scesnick]

I found the problem and it is not good... it seems that the gasket on the left front "Knuckle " somehow ripped/rotted,or flew away... and came off the tractor ( I don't know when this happened) and this caused a gap in that area and apparently the whole knuckle dropped down about 1/4 inch . I guess from the play caused by not having a gasket in there.
Well, it obviously made the gear not line up correctly and totally chewed the crap out of the final pinion gear and a few other bearings... WHat a total mess.. Luckily I already have this part from a previous gear that "froze on there last year right after I bought it.

the dealer made good on his warranty and sent me a whole new gear assembly. by that time I already had it repaired... I know what you are thinking, that I forgot to put the gasket back on last year. Well, I did but I found my mistake right then and tore the front end back down and put it back on. That is how I know that it was in fact on there...

I want to thank everyone for their suggestions. And for future reference it makes no difference which way you put the front drive shaft on...

Thanks again.