So... ever since I've owned this truck (2 years) I've had a howling sound coming from my drive train somewhere? Just today I got to listening to it better and it sounded like it was coming from my rear end. Took it down to my trusty drive line shop and had them take a look at it, and they came up with the same conclusion. They suggested a bearing kit... with all work said and done it's going to be about 400 bucks and that's if nothing else is wrong with it. Does this sound too steep? Is this something I could do myself but probably shouldn't any room for upgrades while its going to be apart?
Truck is a 79 Power Wagon with a 360 and a Dana 60 in the rear and a 44 in the front. Any help is appreciated.
Speed Dragon
05-16-2009, 06:47 AM
It's a good price, setting up a rear is tricky. Be a good time to install a SureGrip or locker unit :)
3834B
05-16-2009, 08:18 AM
Sounds a little cheap. Is the rear end howling under a load? That is a classic worn ring/pinion symptom.
What did the shop do to determine bearings? At the very least you should pull the rear cover and drain the fluid. Look for signs of metal. If you have a dial indicator check the backlash. Get some Prussian Blue Dye and check for proper gear contact.
You will likely need a complete overhaul which isn't as bad as it sounds but I don't think $400.00 is going to cut it.
volaredon
05-16-2009, 10:12 AM
Check the yards; you should be able to find a rear cheaper and swap it in; being a 4WD its more critical to match what you currently have. The D 44 is a very HD piece; dont see much trouble with those; I have had to replkace a few wheel bearings on them but thats about all.
Tone-us
05-16-2009, 01:13 PM
It's a good price, setting up a rear is tricky. Be a good time to install a SureGrip or locker unit :)
Where could I find said SureGrip or Locker Unit? And is this just something you just add to the exsisting unit?
And yes, it howls all the time. Only time it doesn't howl is when you let off the gas and there is absolutely no torque on the rear end. If I leave it in gear while decelerating the howl is still present?
I'm heading up to Spokane today to hit up the u pull it yards to see if I can find anything useful for this old beast.
