My rear differential is making noise, kind of like oversize off road tires at speeds over 20 mph. I replaced the rear wheel bearings and seals, and that didn't help. I dont believe it is tire noise. Has anyone ever replaced the differential carrier bearings, and pinion bearing themselves? Difficult? Thanks

 

The job itself isn't terrible, but does require patience to get everything square and proper.

 

Patience, some precision measuring tools, and the knowledge of how to use them as well. Being somewhat OCD is actually considered an asset for such work. If you haven't done one before, I would HIGHLY recommend reading up on the job, and what all is involved. (there are youtube videos for gear setup as well.)

Before diving into it though, I think I would want to verify that what I was hearing WASN'T just tire noise, before pulling the rear diff apart.

 

Thanks

 

Rotate the tires front to back and see if it changes anything. Also, have you run it with the rear up on jack stands? What noise do you hear then?

 

I will rotate the tires, I have run it on stands with the drums off, it did have noise, I'll have to do it again and listen at different speeds. Thanks

 

The axle bearings are lubricated by the gear oil in the diff, at least that's how it is on mine (2WD). Did you run low on oil at some point? Miles?

 

I've only had the truck a couple months, it was maybe 3/4 inch low on oil in back. 162,000 miles