Two 4x4s and no go with lots of snow!

Have you checked the front?

My old Jimny had a noise from the back axle. Definitely the back axle. Sitting in the back it was miles louder and still coming from behind.


I fitted new rear wheel bearings- no change
I swapped the diff out- no change.
New propshaft spider- no change

I gave up.

A few weeks later the brake pedal started going to the floor, but would pump up. A front wheelbearing had collapsed, and the wobbly disc was pushing the pads right off using up the pedal travel to clamp the disc again.

Fitted the new bearing, and the noise from the back went.

 

Maybe a bent rear brake backplate or a stone trapped in there?

Backplates seem fine. I have had the brakes apart. I like the idea of back to front noise transmission. When the snow goes maybe i will jack up the front.
Thanks for the answers thus far.
It almost needs somebody walking beside as i drive up the road.

was you noise constant or just in one place as the wheels rotated as a matter of interest? 

Get ALL 4 wheels off the ground - aka put it on Jack Stands, put it into Low box and 1st gear. and get all 4 wheels rotating.

The ONLY way to check a UJ is to get the Propshaft OFF and feel the play.

I'd remove both rear half shafts and get the Diff out and check that Crown and Pinion has no teeth removed. Removing Diff's will also allow to you check shafts and Brakes.

That’s a plan with all four wheel up at the same time. I fear you maybe right. I may have to bite the bullet and pull the half shaft. Perhaps an inspection of the diff oil. It should indicate something. .

wrote:

was you noise constant or just in one place as the wheels rotated as a matter of interest? 
 

I've had stones jammed in the backplate on drum braked vehicles a couple of times. It is generally a grinding noise that is either constant or pulsing as the wheel rotates. My trials car was particularly prone to this until I fitted discs all round.