Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 4:10 Grinding

[MNorgren]

Just purchased this fine truck last month 3K miles from home. On the drive back I noticed a grinding coming from the rear diff. Last weekend I drained the gear oil. I noticed a part of an alignment shim and dirty Amsoil. I added straight 80/90 w and the additive from Dodge. Test drove it and everything seems ok.



Question: If you were in my shoes, whould you get this inspected by a drive train specialist? Or, give it some time and perform frequent oil changes.



I'm located in Hampton Roads VA.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Get it looked at right away. If you found any shim material in there that is not good. The most common thing that I know of is the bearing on the left side of the carrier becomes loose and starts smashing the shims out.

 

[MNorgren]

Thanks for the advice... I'm new to the Hampton Roads VA area if there's anyone that knows a reputable shop please let me know.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Sounds like it's time to go through it - clutches (if so equipped), bearings, etc.



Dad did his '98 and my '94 with parts from Randy's Ring-n-Pinion. I think it ran like $150 or so and an afternoon's worth of labor.



Matt

 

[MNorgren]

Thanks Holeshot,



I'm not set up with a press and dial indicators so I'm going to get the kit from Randy's and search my area for a reputable shop to do the work. Sucks being new to an area!

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Sucks being new to an area!

If I had a dime for everytime I have said or thought that...



Let us know how it turns out and good luck.



Matt

 

[tgrfan2]

Don't delay. My 98 left carrier bearing went out while towing. It turned the race which cost me a housing. At the time used Dana 70's and 80's were not to be found. Was your a limited slip. I have a 95 2500 without LSD that has over 200K with no problems.

Good luck!

 

[MNorgren]

tgrfan,

Yeah, this is LS. I found a guy that can set it up for $450. 00. Did you do your own work?

 

[SRehberg]

I've got a '96 with 50,000 on the clock and the rear is all of a sudden making growling/whinning noises. I bought the truck used at 45,000 and it has developed since then. Right after I bought it, I pulled the diff cover and the magnet was one fuzzy beast,(more than I've ever seen on any magnet) with some chips on it. I cleaned it all up, and put back Redline 85-140 synthetic. Couple of months later, it has started this noise nonsense. From what I'm reading here and the TDR magazine article awhile back, sounds like the left side bearing goes first. Does this mean the ring and pinion get messed up as well or are they usually o. k. ? I've never had a differential go out on any vehicle I've owned, let alone at 50K, so something is amiss. Like the orginal poster asked, is there any good rear end shops in the Northern Calif. area, or if need be, Southern Calif. ? There are a couple of local guys, and I'm not to impressed with their shops. Thanks. By the way, mine is a 4. 10 as well.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Generaly the ring and pinion are ok. This has been the case on all the ones I have gone through anyway so I doubt you will have any problems.

 

[SRehberg]

That's good news, I can see $$$ if things get ugly in there, so I hope it isn't all that bad. Now to just find a quality shop.

 

[tgrfan2]

No I have a friend who is a GMC tech. A tech at the GMC dealership is a rear end expert. He does several every week. He said he seldom sees one turn the race. He must have done a good job. I have 50K on it since and so far doing well. If it tears up again I am going to try to find a non LSD 70 or 80 to replace it. It is funny that this is the only diff. I have ever serviced every 15K and it tears all to h..... I even used Mopar lube. Tech used Castrol syn and I am using Valvoline now.

 

[MNorgren]

I got a quote:



My parts his labor $450. This guy does the for a racing outfit all the time.



The kit runs $220 from Randy's Ring and Pinion



Question: What have you paid for labor?

 

[CumminsPower98]

Keep in mind that IF the problem is what I think it might be with a loose carrier bearing that you will also need a new carrier. The bearings are a press fit but can become loose usually on the driver side where most of the stress is. When this bearing becomes loose it starts smashing the shims out as I said before. Sorry this didn't answer your question but I just wanted you to know.