My '94 SLT, mid-size with long bed, 65K miles, has been quiet running, at least before I had a rattle in the valve chain cover, replaced the chain and added the tensioner as per TSB. Now I have a new noise I haven't been able to identify, after getting opinions from supposedly knowledgable do-it-yourselfers. Noise has been about the same since last summer.

It's a low pitched, constant, irregular rumble: only at 25+ mph, not from engine or drive line as decided by putting trans in neutral or in gear on a lift. The professional mechanic who checked it on the lift said it was crappy Goodyear tires, but on changing to studs, the noise continues.

Not sure how to proceed, unless I empty out the bed and start putting recorders around to plot the noise. Any suggestions? Should I wait until some part falls off or the whole truck turns into dust? bookburn

 

Noises are always hard to find. One great way that might help is get some soapy water and completely soak one wheel at a time. All the tire and wheel and everything that moves in that corner. The test drive an see if it stops. If one side stops check that one. If not then then check another. Lots of possiblitys! Its hard to diagnose a noise problem over the computer.

 

It could possibly be a hub bearing on it's way out, not too bad for a do it yourselfer, changing both sides on mine took 4 hours with lots of breaks in between

 

when you put it on the lift did you lit it up by the suspension or the frame? it may have had the diveline at different angles on the lift and you could not have been able to hear it. just trowing that out there. see if you can find a mechanic with a set of electric ears, they are aweosme. it is a bunch of little microphones that you can stick everywhere.