Eric Kleven

Bet your vibration was a seized U-joint.... and that's a heavy axle to shake around like that. Lots of repetitive flexing on a pinion shaft can't be good.

PerryB

The vibration prior to failure was the final death throes of the pinion bearings. I hope it didn't spin the races and wipe out the housing.

swhite005

Looking at the symptoms for a seized u-joint, I think you may be right. The vibrations were at slower speeds as I accelerated and went away at highway speeds. Unfortunately the damage has been done.

swhite005

So I just got my truck back. They found the pinion likely had a fracture and over time it eventually just broke off. I am the second owner so I can only account for how I drove it. They replaced all the gears, bearings and seals in the differential. Total cost was $1,542. Seem reasonable? I'm gonna check with the mechanic tomorrow for more details, since he was gone when I picked up the truck. I was told I need to get the driveshaft rebalanced. I notice a very slight vibration which I assume is related. Anyone know what that will cost me and is it really a good idea to have it done?

PerryB

You might try dropping the driveshaft and rotating it 180° relative to the pinion flange. Of course there is also the possibility the shaft got bent slightly when the pinion let go. I'd still try turning it 180 to see if the vibration goes away. I've done this more than once on aircraft. Even though the engine and prop are both independently balanced, they will have a particular orientation in which they run noticibly smoother.

igorek25

Quick question, would deferential from 4x4 fit RWD?

Jojodapyro

I don't know why not. As long as it is the same housing.

PerryB

Everything I've read says yes.