[weitekampt]

I have a howl in the rear end and the mechanic told me it is the ring and pinion. I trust him because he used to be a ford mechanic. Wondering what the best gear replacement brand would be. I would love to switch to a 3.55 ratio but I don't want to switch the front end or the computer. Would be great for mileage though.

But if anybody has recomendations, please let me know. I don't know which brand if the best or if there is any difference.

Also, would changing the fluid out of the rear help any? I have changed the oil every year since 2004. Can't really understand why the ring and pinion is shot after 147k??
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif
Thanks for the help!

 

[NCHornet]

With a 4x4 you must change both front and rear if you are changing the gearing, otherwise never use 4x4 mode!! Randy's Ring & Pinion has always been good to me. Could also be a carrier bearing.

 

[weitekampt]

I just had the truck in to have rear brakes done and told them to check the u-joints since they are originals. Also checked carrier bearing on drive shaft. Everything checked out good there. The noise is only when it is under load at at 55+mph. If you let off the pedal, it goes away, but when you get back on it the whine appears again.

I will make note of the company you listed and give them a call. Wonder how much this ordeal is going to cost. I am getting at the mileage where big ticket items are appearing! Jeeze!

 

[smorris]

My bet is on the pinion bearings. Usually they go first. May not be as bad as you think. Get a good mech. to check them first. Not nearly as expensive as a set of gears, and a rebuild. Heck the gear oil is nearly $100.

 

[aric262]

I would check all the bearings realy good, it seems to soon to loose a ring & pinion. Unless it was never set right

 

[pristine]

I lost a pinion bearing at less than 15K. S### happens. The howl coming and going as the power changes sounds like a pinion bearing to me.
jgr

 

[weitekampt]

I'm with you on the bearing idea. I honestly can't see how a gear can go out with the commuting and light towing I really do. Plus, whenever I have changed the gear oil, I have never had filings. I can see how the bearings would go bad because I do start and stop quite a bit and the torque of a diesel is stout. They said that they will surely replace all the bearings while in there because they are hard to get out without damaging them.

I surely do apprecaite all you input guys! I think we are on the same page.

Thanks again!