[ro.co1751]

I've got a 1989 4wd short bed 22re. The rear end has a slight whine underway but a really loud whine while coasting in gear. It goes away in neutral or clutch in. Is there anything that can be put in the rear end to quiet it down or is this strictly a mechanical fix. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Jayota]

You can try checking the torque of the main pinion nut, it might have loosened off. Chances are once there is significant noise, the damage is done.
Also try draining the fluid and look for excess metal shavings

You can try wood shavings, would work for a few miles at least

 

[CWH5]

Damage is already done. Time to either rebuild your diff or replace the unit.

 

[ro.co1751]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll look for a good used one. One more question, once the pinion gets noisy how long until it fails completely. And I'm just looking for a guesstimate.

 

[CWH5]

Hard to say, but if your gonna continue to drive it you should re torque the pinion nut and drain and refill the gear oil.

 

[texas12]

Mine will do the same thing if I let off the gas at highway speed. When I lube the drive shaft the sound goes away. I also do the u-joints while I am there. I must do it every 2 months or I get the whine. Been doing it for 5 years and nothing has fallen off yet.
Just a suggestion since a grease gun and tube of grease is cheap.

 

[Jayota]

Mine will do the same thing if I let off the gas at highway speed. When I lube the drive shaft the sound goes away. I also do the u-joints while I am there. I must do it every 2 months or I get the whine. Been doing it for 5 years and nothing has fallen off yet.
Just a suggestion since a grease gun and tube of grease is cheap.

Thats no good. You got driveline issues my friend!:thumbsdow

 

[texas12]

Yeah but it has been like that since I got the truck and hasn't gotten any worse. I just keep'em lube. If it finally falls off some day, that will be the day it gets fixed.

 

[Vicoor]

while a problem with the rear would be the most likely culprit, Make sure you don't have a noisey transimission.