Rear Differential Problem

[JCockerill]

Coming back from 600 mile trip with trailer today, my rear diff started making noise and vibrations over 55 mph. it felt like i was on rumble strip. So I got out and had buddy shift from forward to reverse while i checked driveshaft. It was turning almost a half turn from forward to reverse without tires moving.

So what problems have these 11.5 american axles had? pinion bearings? carrier bearings or what? Gonna open it up tomorrow and see what it looks like.

What have you used for rebuild? OEM?

Hoping the whole rear isn't wiped out. I limped it back about 200 miles making noise.

anyone rebuild one? special tools? ect.

thanks for the help.

 

[blizzard]

I had same issue and it was rear driveshaft u joints. Both looked good and were fried. At first I thought I had a flat and then when I let off gas felt like rumble strip.

 

[AH64ID]

Very few issues with the AAM axle.

I'd check u-joints as they are more more prone to issues. It's also fairly cheap to pull the cover off the diff.

 

[JCockerill]

got truck up in the air and it look like rear joint is shot. old it wasn't the rear. what is best brand u joint to install? spicer?

 

[cerberusiam]

If you are staying with the OE shaft the AAM joints are the only ones that fit correctly without modifications. I would pull each cap and put good high temp grease in them before install though.

 

[AH64ID]

Stick with the AAM, as all others seem to have fitment issues.