i had the exact same problem. it ended up being the wheel bearings in the rear.

 

My vote;.. Pinion-Bearings,.. DON'T buy KOYO bearings
as a replacement,.. Their pure crap, & you'll be doing it
again in a year. Use NTN bearings or Timken bearings as a
replacement.

 

alright,
truck in the air, in drive and running. Noise is in the pumpkin. Gears sound good, but oil is crap. Nuce and think. I will flush out this weekend, drop in some good oil. I think this should take care of the issue. If not, you will see a update on Saturday.

And It is not the Wife whining. If it was, that whould be a easy fix with some duct tape.

 

Ouch.

If I tried that with my wife, she'd take our .40 S&W and shoot me.

 

yeah if i tried that, she would go after my truck while i sleep.

 

I was surprised to find out when I took my 98 to the local drivetrain specialists that, indeed, I have a Dana 44 rear axle. I don't think it's custom. The guy at the shop said that 44 is what is in most 90's 1/2 tons. But, I was right about the rear end noise, wasn't I. (;

 

If it is coming from the rear of the truck, you might look under the seats in the back. The previous owners are still looking for their kids!!

 

I'd never take it back to them. They have no idea what they are talking about if they told you most 90s had Dana 44s in the rear. Pretty sure no Rams 1994-2001 ever had a Dana 44 as a rear axle. Front Dana 44 axles, yes, they all had that from the factory in the 1500s, and some in 2500s from 1994-1995 supposedly. But the rears were always Chrysler Corporate 9.25s for the 1500s.

Someone correct me if I'm mistaken, but I'm 95% sure on that.

 

all 1500 rams, all durangos have the 9.25 rear and d44 front. as far as i know, they've never had a d44 in the rear.

2500/3500 have d60 and d70 in the rear.

here's an id chart.
http://www.kennysrodshop.com/fab/how2/differential.html

 

Finial diagnose. Pinion seal failed, Flued was about a quart low. THe oil that I pulled out did fail. was almost like water. New seal, fresh Royal Purple Oil. Smooth as can be. I thank all for the imput. I have been on other boards where most peolple dont ever want to help.