The truck:
1995 two wheel drive with posi unit and 6 lug drum brakes. 320,000 miles. Maintained.
I have a rolling noise in the back of my truck. Sounds like a bad tire that is bad on one spot on the tire. Starts out slowly and speeds up as the truck's speed increases.
New tires. This truck has done this for years now.
Replaced the drive shaft.
" the Carrier bearing.
" Axle bearings on both sides.
New differential fluid.
Jacked up and tires off, grabbing the drums, it has about 1/8" axle end play (both sides).
Is it safe to drive it that way?
I have turned up the radio as suggested on other posts here but I run a restoration and hot rod shop and I am NOT use to things sounding like this nor THAT much end play.
I need help from experienced mechanics on here if possible.
Thank you
Joe

 

My guess is a bad pinion bearing. When you changed the Carrier bearing did you change the pinion bearings and races?

I will move this to the 1st generation Dakota sub-forum.

In there you will find the FAQ it has a diagnostic chart for mechanical and audible vibrations at various speeeds.

 

yup I have seen both 8-1/4s and 9-1/4s with that much end play.... the noise, I would say, is pinion bearings