Freedom handyman

problem; Whirring noise on deceleration, random periods of strong wobble, where driveshaft enters rear diff there is small amount of play up and down and in and out. Also when jacked up rear wheel and driveshaft have a bit of play between them when turned. Thanks for all help.

Lowrange2

1. The whirring on deceleration and play at the pinion are most likely shot pinion shaft bearings. The play between the rear wheel and the drive shaft is a combination of OEM recommended backlash and the pinion bearing issue. From that I'd say the rear end needs to be replaced. What axle is it?

2. Assuming the wobble is coming from the front end it's a completely different issue.

Freedom handyman

I haven't figured it out yet. It doesn't match any of the pics but I think I can see DANA stamped on it. It has a wierd black rubber plug at about 5 o'clock, towars the bottom center. Your help is awesome. I am already learning a bit of what I nned to know about my rig. Thank you.

Lowrange2

Do you have a picture of it?

What year is it?

Freedom handyman

I will get a pic today it is a 1996

weebur

Personally, I would pull the drive shaft (mark the orientation), replace the U-joints, clean and lube the front slip joint, replace the pinion seal and tighten up the pinion nut just enough to prevent any movement of the yoke. If this works it could save you some serious work/expense by not rebuilding/replacing the differential assembly.

Freedom handyman

I took it to my mechanic, the rear is a DANA 35C and it needed a new pinion bearing, another bearing, race, seal and they did 2 wheel seals while they had it. Another CraigsList turd that didn't disclose it to me. He said the noise was coming from a wheel bearing. Thanks for all your guys help on here. Jimmy

beepjeep

Out of curiosity, if you don't mind me asking, about how much did that run you at the shop? I may be looking into similar repairs on my axle as well. Thanks!

Freedom handyman

$540!!

beepjeep

Woof! Thanks! That makes me feel a bit better about buying a used rear axle assembly from salvage. I plan to rebuild that axle and swap it in next weekend. The axle ran me 200.

Klaatu55

Thanks. May have same problem.Gonna try slip joint and and universal inspection first.