Would the 2 u-joints that go just before the t-case cause the vibration/grinding noise also? I think that those are bad. When I push up on the front drive shaft and turn it, there is no squeaking noise. If I just turn it without any preasure it squeaks. If I pull down on it and turn it the squeaking noise is louder. It sounds like it is coming right where the u-joints are.

 

Well after looking more into the problem I am replacing the snap ring, bearing and seal tomorrow. Will the snap ring being broken cause the vibration/grinding sounds that I am hearing in 4wd and at high speeds in 2wd?

 

It's possible. The interior parts rub on the inside of the case and each other and can cause the grinding. I'd replace the ring regardless, but you should still remove the front shaft and see if there is any change.

 

T-case saver is out of stock, so I ordered a replacement snap ring from the dealer. $2.40 and will be in tomorrow. Will be removing front drive line off the t-case tomorrow before doing the snap ring to see what happens. Will also be doing u-joint this weekend as well all the way around. Will keep everyone posted tomorrow as to the progress of it.

 

Ok, well after tearing apart the t-case tail shat extention and looking at the snap ring. The snap ring is still there on the shaft. It does however move from side to side (if I grab each side of the snap ring I can slide it from side to side like it is loose).

Is the snap ring supposed to be tight? Or is it supposed to have some play in it where it is able to move around? Also if I grab the shaft I can move it in and out with a little bit of force. Is this normal or no?

 

Snap ring is only there to locate the shaft, and keep stuff from moving around. (too much....)

Put the trans in neutral, and rotate the shaft by hand, feel anything odd? What's the fluid level look like?

 

I didnt feel anything odd when rotating the shaft by hand. Also the fluid is clean and has nothing in it. Looks brand new

 

Wonder if someone changed it trying to figger out the noise?

How long have you had the truck? (probably in the thread somewhere already...... but, I'm tired. )

What about the front shaft? How does that one feel?

 

I do know that in Sept. the owner prior to me had a used transmission put in the truck and they might have rebuilt it as well at the time. I have owned the truck for just a little over a month now. The front shaft feels the same as the rear shaft does.

 

Having a hard time taking off the front D/S front the t-case. It is a 15mm but I cant fit my 15mm socket in there to take out the bolts. Is there a certain way to do this?