Ughhh, starting to hate the Dodge.... My 1500 Mega just started making some noise that soints like it is coming out of the rear. I just changed the rear axle fluid, less than 500 miles ago. when going forward/backward, there is a pinging sound. like a spring loaded up if that makes sense? Could this be the expected LSD failing or possibly a a U Joint? I have a 500+ mile week lined up for work and now I'm scared to go.

 

Not the LSD issue, the LSD with the clip issue is specific to 9.25" rear. Sounds more like pinion seal or a bearing to me. How many miles you got on the truck?

 

Thanks Hammer. After driving around in a tight circle, about 75' in this thing :-), there was no change in sound so it makes sense it is not the diff.
The pinion seal isn't leaking, but possible it is the pinion bearing. I am wondering if the U joint/s could be drying up? I grabbed a hold of the drive shaft and they are tight at this point.

 

I had an '02 Z71 I thought had a bad bearing, gradually started making noise and got really awful sounding pretty quick. About a year and a half old with about 14,000 miles on it. Still under warranty, so I didn't mess with it, took it straight to the dealer. They knew what it was right away when I called to describe it and make an appointment.

When I got it there and was waiting on it, the service manager told me there was a TSB on it. That GM had changed venders on their lubricant (grease) because of a better price and the stuff was literally solidifying in the drive-line and becoming dried out and useless. They lubed it up and in about an hour I had it back, slight noise when I pulled out, but by the time I drove the 8 miles or so to my house, it was quiet as new...

 

think it is a u joint. there is a slight shuddle under acceleration. I changed the diff fluid last week both as it was time and I thought maybe the additive was breaking down but i think it is a u joint issue. Now, do i change the rear or tackle all 3 in the rear shaft....

 

I'd say all 3, with a balljoint press and some heavy grease it's a pretty quick job