ok guys, "beast" is in trouble! i need to get this fixed ASAP b/c its my DD. so a few days ago i started hearing this humming/ vibration coming form my rear end from 60-65 mph, and it just seems to be getting worse and yesterday i started hearing some clicks and clacks coming from the rear right off of the take off, but not after ive got the truck moving. so, finally i stopped driving it because i dont want to leave my driveshaft on the freeway. so my question is, any idea if this is from one of the u-joints, the driveshaft, the output shaft bearings in my tranny (5speed manual), or worse case senerio, something in the rear pumpkin?
-thanks

 

Block the tires, tranny in neutral and climb underneath the truck and grab ahold of the driveshaft and feel for any play at all the moving parts.

 

ok, correction. the clicking sound seems to be coming from the front of the rear driveshaft. secondly, i did check for play in the driveshaft. it feels like its not coming form the u joints. i grabbed the front u joint with one hand and twisted the shaft back and forth with the other hand to feel for play, and same with the rear. there is some play in the rear but it feels like its in the diff. not in the u joint. ive heard that it could be the u joints even if theres no play in them..

 

U-joints!!!!

change them quick before you lose your shaft on the road.


Al

 

That is true. Remove the DS and check the joints. Pull the caps and check to see that they are lubed properly, etc. I have seen them dry of lube and causing vibration, but still feel tight on the rig.

 

check your wheel bearings
mine did the same thing ...found two of the balls inside the bearing welded together
lots of noises

 

Al, this is kind of a stupid question but im guessing its a better idea to replace both of them while im at it right?

 

x2 on checking wheel bearings, i swapped out mine 2 weeks ago and it is so much smoother.

 

might as well, beats crawlin under there a second time 3 months down the road. if one is bad, the other can't be too far behind.

Al

 

alright guys ill let you know how it goes. thanks for the advice.

 

x2 I had the same issue , and i was so close to losing the driveshaft

 

check to see that the pinion nut hasnt backed off.