anytime theres a drivetrain issue, first thing first is to drop all the fluids from the transmissio, and axle(s), unless it's an auto transmission which will flip the f**k out once an issue arises, from personal experience.

 

check EVERY fluid for irregularities (i mean it! wiper fluid EVERYTHING. lol ). lets go from there........


like fox said, be thankful you don't have a 45RE

 

46 for you sir... or a 42re, which is a complete slush box along with the 41te used in the chrysler/dodge sedans.

 

Sounds like you could have a pinion bearing in the front gone bad. Grab the manual download on the first page of threads. Go to the section about the front diff. It states that if you let your foot off the gas while driving (loading up the front end) and you get a growling noise, then it's probably the FRONT pinion bearing. I only know this cause I read it last night, have a similar issue with my dak.