2001 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L 4x4 9 1/4 rear 3.55 ratio. I had this problem before i changed out the pinion bearings, and diff bearings. What the problem is, is when i drive it for a distance of say like 30 miles plus at higher rate of speed, after i stop i can feel and hear the rearend it sounds like its dragging like its binding. But it only does it after the high rate of speed and a longer distance and when i stop completely. I dont hear it with a rolling stop just a full stop. Anyone got any ideals? should I maybe put a thicker lube in?

 

Any reason you're thinking diff noise? Have you eliminated things like a drum dragging?

 

I havent really looked into it yet, but its kinda hard to discribe what the noise and feel is exactly.

 

I've had a rear end noise for a loooonnnnggg time ... sounds like a brake drum dragging. I happens under load and changes during coast. It's gone if I float the drivetrain. It used to be a lot louder but has moderated over the last 30k miles or so. I was hoping it was something associated with the brakes ... easier to fix. I set the rear axle on stands and pulled the drums. The dragging was still there. I noticed a slight wobble on the pinion but couldn't isolate the dragging even with a stethoscope. I fully suspect the pinion bearings or a bent shaft and am waiting for it to grenade on me some day.

I say all this because you said that you already replaced the pinion bearings. I'm curious as to what makes you think it's the diff. There is a lot going on back there ... most of which has the potential to make similar sounds.

If you keep a steady load on the axle (acceleration) and then steer left and right ... any change? This varies the load on the axle bearings and, if one is bad, should result in a change in sound.

 

no the only time i hear it and feel it is after i have been driving a distance of 10 miles+ going 50 MPH+, after i start to go after a complete stop. thats the only time i hear it. if i do a rolling stop i wont hear or feel it. but if i stop completely and start to go i can feel and hear it. Its just weird and like i said I havent really looked into it yet. I dont tow anything or carry loads. It almost feels like the gears have gotten really hot and there is no lube, like it grabs then lets go. Im hoping maybe someone else has had this prob and found out what it was. I dont think its doing any damage i sure as hell hope not. Cause i mean like i said it doesnt do it all the time. I didnt kinda notice that after i put my brake drums back on after replace the bearings i had to take stuff back off cause i had the diff cluster set to far to the left, it was still making noise. When i went to pull the driverside off i had to pry it off and it was only on a few days with not much driving on it. Maybe that drum could be getting hot and sticking. But again its such a weird *** noise. When it happens it kinda feels like when u go over the rumble strips on the highway. But its very brief, maybe last 2-3 seconds. So I dont know just gotta wait and see.

 

I cant rem if I said it or not but the sound and feel is not a constant noise.