Strange noise...
 

Hi all,

About a month ago I started hearing a strange humming noise coming from the rear end when I accelerate. I usually start to hear it when at about 20 mph and it gets louder the more I accelerate. When I let off of the gas I hear what sounds like a scratching noise just for a second and when I push on the gas again it's back to the hum. When my foot is off of the gas I don't hear the noise at all.

When I open my rear sliding window the noise gets really loud so I'm positive it's coming from the back of the truck.

2002 V8 2-wheel drive

Any advise would be great.

Thanks!

RE: Strange noise...
 

When was the last time you serviced your differential?

RE: Strange noise...
 

Last time I had an oil change they said my rear diff fluid was leaking. They said it's leaking from the pinion and that it would have to be replaced.

I just called my mechanic today and he said from my description it sounds like my rear end needs replaced. He's saying that a rebuild rear end could cost up to $1500 and it would cost about $500 in labor.

I just bought the truck in July so I've only really done oil changes. THis is the first major problem since I bought it.

RE: Strange noise...
 

You can find a remanufactured rear end for less than that and you can do the install yourself; if it is actually bad.

RE: Strange noise...
 

Any recommendations on where to find one? Or should I just look locally? I'm going to get it into a dealer or service shop and find out if that is actually it.

I'm pretty handy with cars but this seems like it would be a big job.

RE: Strange noise...
 

Went to at site; Randy's Ring & Pinion and they're quoting me $707.85 for the entire rear end. I found one at a junk yard for $450.

The dealership wanted to charge me $1890 to put a used rear end on and said if I wanted to do it new that I'd have to buy all of the parts seperatly and I'd have thousands of $$ wraped up in it then.

RE: Strange noise...
 

DIY! You are talking about a job that takes less than an hour and a half with the right tools. Take your time and you will thank yourself for not paying someone almost $2k to do it.

RE: Strange noise...
 

I'm really thinking about doing it myself. Would you recommend buying new? I'm leaning to buying one from a junk yard and putting it on. It seems like it would be a little easier (and cheaper).

Do you think I would need everything here:
http://www.ringpinion.com/PartCats.a...hrysler%209.25

RE: Strange noise...
 

if your just gonna swap rearends you shouldn't need anything. I would recomend that you change your u-joints while your down there. and aslong as the brake lines come off easy without breaking them, then it should pretty easy to do.