I pulled the gov cover off and made sure it was pushed out as far as possible, so I know its not the cover, and I triple checked the gear. It looked fine, I spun the output shaft and the gear engaged and spun fine -- the axial support was locked in the correct place...

The speedo drive is wonky (it always has been), but maybe that is it when I put it back in. I'll disconnect it and see if that stops the noise.

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k