Differential noises

[240ZMan]

I've been hearing clunks and squeaks from the rear end when I start up and lift off the gas that I would usually associate with a failed differential mount. But mine is quite solid. After poking around underneath for a while, I noticed that the nose of my differential is aimed a bit to the right (passenger) side of the car. In fact, the nose is rubbing against the mounts for the strap that helps contain the up/down movement of the diffy's nose. I circled the area in the 2 photos.

My diffy is an R180 4.11 from the front of an 85 Nissan 4x4 pickup. I've checked that all the mounting bolts for the rear suspension look ok, and all are tight. I've had the diffy installed for a year, and the noise only occured after I replaced my springs and struts just recently. With the front cross member off (as in the pictures) I can pretty easily push the nose to the other side, but the moustache bar pushes it back to the right as soon as I let go.

I tried wedging a big screw driver in to move it over, and then reassembled the front cross member. The clunk/squeak was gone for the first few hundred yards, but then it came back. I can see that nose has moved back to the right.

I was thinking that perhaps there was some piece I put back inverted/reversed, but can't find anything that could fit any other way. I'm sure there has to be a simple solution to this, but I'm just not seeing it. Any suggestions?

[240ZMan]

Well, I just answered part of my question. Went back under the car and with a big screw driver was able to move the nose of the diffy towards the center. It moved pretty easily, and I noticed the rubber of the diffy mount is sliding in its housing. So I guess my original statement that it's solid was a bit off :stupid: I guess I'll be looking for replacement for that tomorrow.

BTW, for those of you who have replaced it with a solid metal mount, how much additional noise comes into the cabin?

Another question: with the cross member off as in the pictures, the moustache bar drives the nose of the diffy completely into the right side of the tunnel. Is that normal? Or is my moustache bar tweaked? To my eyes, I can't see any issues with it. No bends or marks.

I suppose I can just replace the diffy mount and hope the problem goes away? Suggestions?