Vibration in Drivetrain/Rearend?

[BigBassJC]

I am having a bad vibration when driving my truck. When the vibration starts, I put the truck in neutral to coast and it is still vibrating. I was thinking it was either coming from the rear end, hanger bearing, or transmission. I raised the rear end up and rotated the wheels. The passenger wheel rotates freely, but the driver side wheel is a bear to turn. It sounds as if the brake is rubbing on this side more. Also, when I rotate the passenger side tire, the driver side wheel does not move and vice versa. These should spin in the opposite directions when turned. Do you think my brakes are messed up, bad bearings in axle, gears? Anyone have recommendations on where to start?

[Scoobywagon]

My first thought was a bad u-joint. But it does sound like you've got a dragging brake if one wheel will turn easily and the other won't. Have you checked the fluid in your diff?

At what speed does the vibration start? Have you tried rotating the drive shaft by hand with the rear in the air?

You know, as I think about it, its entirely possible that you've actually got a couple of problems at the same time. Its possible that a failing u-joint has simply called a dragging brake to your attention.

Just a thought, man.

[WhiteGardens]

What Rear End do you have in your truck there Big Bass ??

There are issues with the Sterling Axle and I found out the hard way.