i have a 1996 1500 silverado w/z71 package. recently i've had a gringding noise in the rear, that sounds like gears grinding or something chattering. i think that i've narrowed it down to the rear. there is no up and down play at the yoke ( pinion bearings) it only seems to do it when it is under load ie: turning , initial takeoff, pulling a hill. as soon as i let off the gas it stopsthe local gm garage has told me approx $1200 if it needs a total rebuild. whats your thoughts? i'm at a loss on this one.

 

davecoleman7,

My 96 did the same thing. Not sure exactly what the problem was but the cost I was quoted to rebuild was comparable to the $1200 that you were quoted.

Before you sink $1200 into rebuilding an axle, you may want toconsider swapping in a light duty 14 bolt rear if you are currently equiped with the common 10 bolt rear. The 14 bolt is a stronger axleandis an easy swap, assuming that you can find one from the same "vintage" as yours. Just make sure that you match the gear ratio that you currently have. I had a local mechanic do this for me and have been quite pleased with the results.Total cost was a little less than what I would have had to pay for a rebuild, and I picked up aheavier axle, making the $1000 a little easier to bear.

If you already havethe light duty 14 bolt, I'd have it rebuilt be a shop that specializes in drivetrain components.

Good Luck

 

It sounds like the bearings in your rear end are junk, if your up to it you can do it your self. Just order a rear end overhaul kit for your truck and rebuild it.

 

Hey, thanks for your input. i've never rebuilt one before, but i'm willing to give it a try. any advice?

 

I couldn't find anydesignated kits for you truck but if you go to Jegs you can find kits that you can put together yourself.

 

hey guys, thanks for the input, i ended up taking it to a gm garage, and it turned out to be a c-clip on the output shaft of the transfer case, the noise was being transmitted throught the driveshaft

 

Well it's cheaper to buy one out of the wrecking yard.

 

Or put Lucas rear end gear oil