And could the tail housing be causing the noise? (I'm surprised heyou hasn't mentioned it)

 

Didn't I??

 

Whoops, missed that one lol

 

Thanks guys. I will check it tomorrow and update you guys. I'm not driving it right now.

 

Guys, I know this is an old post. however, I just bought a 99 Ram 1500 5.2L 2wd Laramie with 148K as a work truck, mainly to haul my motorcycle and riding lawm mower. The truck has the same grinding sound that is described in this thread.

I'll intro myself if you all have a place to do so. basically, I haven't worked on cars much. I do all my maintenance on my motorcycle and lawn mowers, but our other car (2012 Dodge Journey SXT) hasn't needed any maintenance from myself due to the warranty that came with it. Sure I can change brakes and alternators...that kind of stuff. But I've never attempted anything on a truck before. I ordered a Haynes Manual. I use them all the time on my bike.

As suggested in this thread, I'm not familiar with the parts of the truck to take the suggestions. I'm not sure how to check the transfer case fluid level, front/rear drive shafts, etc.

I won't be driving this truck daily. It's just to haul stuff, and for days I don't feel like riding my bike (rain / below 30 degrees). Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

You can download a factory service manual from here. (pdf format) Always handy to have.

As your truck is 2wd, you won't have a transfer case, or front driveshaft, so, those aren't the problem.

Block the front tires, put the truck in neutral. Crawl under and shake the rear driveshaft. It should turn just a little bit, but, shouldn't be any other movement. Also look at the front of the rear differential, any evidence of fluid leak there? Front pinion bearing and seal going wonky seems fairly common on these.

Check rear axle fluid level in any event. (should be a plug either on the side, or back. fluid level should be just below the hole.)

 

Thanks. The link to the 1998-1999 pdf doesn't work. I tried it in Chrome and Explorer, and neither would work. Do you know another way for me to get it? Of course when I bought my truck, there was no owner's manual or service manual. I wasn't surprised. I would like to have them if possible. Thanks for your help.