I just bought my 1999 ram. its a 4x4 with the solid front axle and 5 speed manual trans. I've noticed mostly on deceleration that my tranny makes a loud whining noise. it whines when accelerating as well but it's not as loud. i make long trips many days of the week (35 miles or more) and i really don't want my trans to blow doing 70 on the freeway. Trans fluid looks good. Could it be the transfer case?

 

Which trans? More info on the truck as well please. Weight rating, engine size, etc.

Check the fluid level in the trans.

Welcome to DF!

 

Well its either the aluminum case NV3500 which is quite robust and coveted for off-road vehicles as an upgrade like in built jeeps, or the NV4500 which came with HDs which is very stout but heavy and has the 5th gear nut issue because its external to the case (originally a 4spd).

Have you tested coasting in neutral? Tried upshifting/downshifting to determine its related to gear whine and nothing else?

It could very well be main shaft bearings in the trans, or bearings/chain in the T-case. Too vague to know. If its really loud and scary, and you've checked all fluids and inspected what you can, either jack it up and run it with a helper so someone can listen underneath, or take it to a shop so they can lift it and run it.

 

The truck is a 1500 with the 5.2L 318 5 speed.its the single cab short bed. It doesn't whine when in neutral and coasting, only if I'm putting load on the trans. its especially loud when i let off the gas and let the engine brake. it isn't too terrible when i accelerate.

 

Think I would change the fluid first, and see if that made any difference...... Some noise is 'normal'......