Hey all I'm new to the DF, but I'm having some issues with my truck. I have a 2001 Ram 1500 with the 5.2 V8 and 5 speed manual tranny. I have had a rear differential leak for a while, just been topping it off every so often, but lately in 5th gear between 45-50 mph I have a loud whirring/grinding sound. I can't determine the exact cause but I'm concerned that it is an issue with the tranny. Anyone have some insight or advice ?? Please help I'm at a loss

 

More a question, but could that be the 5th gear nut thingy?

 

i thought that too, but what I've read that would make 5th stop working entirely? or thats what i thought anyway??

 

I think if the nut comes off, you lose fifth gear, (and then you get some really horrendous noises, and it's time for a new trans.) if it is simply loose, the gear can walk around, and you will get noise from improper mesh. (which isn't good for it either.)

Can you duplicate the noise on jackstands, and isolate where it is coming from?

If you pinion seal is leaking on the rear diff, it's possible you have a bearing going there, and that would make some noise too......

 

I'll get it jacked up next weekend and test it; see if it still makes noise. And sorry not super mechanical, pinion seal on the front of the differential correct? that is where its leaking out of. There's no play when its in fifth gear just noise... my concern is that the transmission will need replacement as well as the rear end

 

When you have it up on stands, shake the driveshaft back by the rear diff. if the pinion doesn't move, just replace the seal. Seals are cheap. Diffs are not.