I have a 96 dodge ram 1500 4x4 and the front differential started making a growling noise a few weeks ago. It is the worst around 30 mph and makes the noise whether i am accelerating or coasting. I drove through some water that was about a foot and a half deep not too long before it started making the noise but the breather is up in the engine compartment so I don't know how water would have made it's way inside. I checked the fluid level and it is good. I have to make a 200 mile trip and was wondering if I should have this addressed before I make it. I can save myself the money of taking it to a dealership if it would be safe to wait. Any help would be appreciated.

 

The drive pinion bearing can be bad an letting the gears sit too close which would cause the growling. As for if any water getting into it, the drive pinion seal coulda been bad n let some water in through that.

 

Thanks for the reply. I found out it is the pinion bearing that is bad. How long will something like this go before it seizes up? None of the local shops can get me in before my 250 mile trip.

 

Well seizing up may happen but i think that would have to be because of the drive pinion bearing is so loose that it lets the drive pinion move alot n lock up the ring gear. If ya go on this trip my guess is you ring gear will get chewed up and you ending up having to buy a ring gear and drive pinion in the end.