Front Differential Exploded

Went for a drive around the block and disaster struck. I was going as fast as the f-134 would go when "BOOM". The front end locked up and the front driveshaft snapped in two.
Before I start to open this thing up does anyone want to venture a guess as to what happened? What am I likely to find.
As far as I know everything else is still as it should be, hopefully.
Thanks

 

was jeep in 4WD on pavement . you won't know what happen till you pull cover

 

Wow that sucks. Was it in 4WD by mistake? Did the front end roll after the driveshaft is out? Keep us posted.

 

You posted faster than I did.

 

Post pics please...

 

Evidently it was in 4wd but the hubs were free.
It will not roll now with the hubs engaged.
It was not making any noise before this happened. Running quiet and smooth.
I had hoped to be finished with this build but it doesn't seem to want to turn me loose just yet.

 

Just curious, but where did the driveshaft break? Slip yoke, u-joint, tube?
As you know, there was a catstrophic failure, and you won't know until you open up the front cover. Sounds like a bolt or piece of broken gear got lodged between the ring gear and the pinion mesh.
-Donny

 

You have a locker in the front diff?

 

Well, this is very embarrassing but I guess I have to confess.
I did not have a mechanical failure, I had a mechanic failure.
It seems that I did not read the part where front differentials require OIL.
My wife says this is not the dumbest thing I have ever done but it ranks pretty high.
This may be an expensive repair and take a lot of work. As it stands, my front end is locked up tighter than an iron gate

Sorry to have bothered y'all with something this stupid.

 

Pfff, if you don't have a story like this in your past then you obviously have never done anything in your life.. We have ALL been there..

 

take the low road . just find another whole front axle

 

I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong.

 

I agree with twin2, you should be able to find another front end for $50-200 and swap the whole thing in a few hours. Easy peasy.

 

New axle, x2. Its easier and cheaper than rebuilding

 

Can we still see pictures of the carnage ?

 

yep

 

I like carnage, just not Jeep carnage. Would like to see it as a learning experience.

 

Great time to find a dana 30.