Sounds like rear pinion bearing in the differential.

N.E.O.

 

Sounds like rear pinion bearing in the differential.

N.E.O.

is this somthing that a novice could tackle or should i leave it in more experienced hands?

 

Repair on the diff can be complicated, and also depend very much on the condition on the internal parts, it may need more than just the bearings replaced. Most dealership would choose to replacing the complete unit as oppose to repair, since it does take knowledge and skill to set up the ring and pinion properly. I would suggest taking it to a repair shop so it can be properly diagnosed and with the estimate in hand then you can decide which would be our best option. Furthermore, removing and replacing the pinion bearings do require a press.

N.E.O.

 

I have noticed something that also happened in a friends '98 tacoma trd automatic. When you stop the truck in any way other than very gentle, when you move again it feels as if though the truck is breaking free. I just think it's the tires or is it the brakes?

 

Actually if there is too much grease in the slip yoke of the drive shaft, it could cause that too; kind of acting like a pumped up shock.

N.E.O.

 

Interesting. I thought it was normal since my 1990 does it and its an automatic v6 and my friends 1998 tacoma automatic v6 did it too. Should I be concerned about this?

 

Depending on where you are in NNJ I can help. You can bring it to me on a weekend and I will diagnose it for free.

 

Do you mean the whine in the rearend or the thump when you take off?

The thump, if it is cause by too much grease in the slipyoke will decrease over time when the greae got melted away or leak out. There are a few different cause, the grease in the slipyoke is but one of them. Transmission stay in seond 2nd and down shift to first is another cause. In a sense, it takes a little of checking and process of elimination to determine what the cause is. If the condition haven't change, getting worst or louder over time, it is probably nothing to concern about, just monitor it.

N.E.O.

 

Check the rear brakes and axle bearings and differential fluid level. Cracked or separated rear brake shoes can whine when touching brake drums[without brakes applied]

 

Check your u-joints. I had my rear one fail light that. Comming home from a trip it started to squeal under decell in 1st and 2nd gear.. Made a squeaking noise clutch in or out...

 

I don't know how far away from Bellingham WA you are but northwest off road does good differential work; almost as good as me!