2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Trying to pinpoint source of drivetrain noise

[fortunate1]

My drivetrain is whining (maybe it voted for Kerry) and I'm not sure where to look for the culprit. It sounds like it's behind the transmission, which was rebuilt with a DTT master kit about 30K mi. ago. The 3 u-joints in the shaft were also replaced with greaseable spicers then. No noise until recently. The axle oil level is fine (changed about 25K mi. ago) with just a little bit of metal fines sticking to the magnetic dipstick. No axle oil showing around the brakes. Is this the rear bearings? The differential carrier? After a drive this morning, the wheels are all cool to the touch. So are the axle tubes out near the bearings. The pumpkin is slightly warm to the touch. These are the original rear bearings, seals, and pumpkin guts. Just went over 260K mi. , so maybe something is just worn out. If it's the bearings, is this a half-to-full day DIY job, or should I consider taking the truck in for the work? Any $$$ estimates?

 

[Turbo Thom]

#1... ... ... ... As a gereral rule the only thing I've seen wear out in the rear end is the carrier bearings and pinion unit. I'm at 311K and still on the OEM setup. I just change the Amsoil one a year and go on. The wheel bearing will go, but not in my case. At least not yet. More times than not, the carrier will be the one to go.



. . Preston. .

 

[The Adjuster]

You can try jacking the rear end off the ground, set it on a couple of chassis stands, chock <-- (spelling don't look right) the fronts wheels really good and fire the ole girl up, drop it into gear and let the wheels start turning, then CAREFULLY slide in underneath and source it out ... if you have a auto, make sure the wheels are completely stopped BEFORE you put it back into Park otherwise you will be fixing the transmission also. :{



I found the problem with my pinion using this method ... and Turbo Thom is right, I have seen these wheel bearings go well beyond 400K, but the carriers need a bit of help at this mileage.



This method beats trying to slide unerneath it at 45MPH like they do on the movies :-laf



Kevin