Hello, so I bought a high mileage 2001 Suburban with the 5.3 Vortec and 2wd drive train, after getting the thing running and in “drivable condition” I started to notice a whine noise coming from, what may be the rear differential, although, I replaced the gear oil, when I drained the old oil, it appeared clean, no metal shavings or chunks mixed in. I inspected the driveshaft and noticed that there was roughly 2 centimeters of play between the transmission, driveshaft, and the rear axle. Also, as I noticed the play, I also can hear a loud metallic clank coming from the front of the driveshaft (rear of the transmission) and can note a slight amount of vertical play where the shaft runs into the transmission bellhousing. I also experience the same “clunk” when placing the vehicle into gear. I also have a strong vibration between 65 and 75. I have done some googling but it really has led me nowhere, other than “worn u-joints”. Any advice is helpful. Thanks in advance!


(I apologize if this is written sloppy, as I was in a hurry to write it at the time.)

 

I have the same set up and I had the same problem. I had the ujoints replaced and the problem was gone. The problem that I have is getting the things greased; my grease gun can't fit between the yokes, so make sure you grease them good before you install them.

 

 

You can purchase a grease gun needle extension that allows you to get in between the yokes with it.