Well it looks like 270,000 miles is all my Pinion bearings wanted..

I noticed a vibration steadly getting worse at 70-75mph.
Took it to my buddys powertrain shop and sure nuff, the pinon is pretty loose

Its had 4 oil changes and new wheel bearings/diff bearings 115k miles ago but left the pinion bearings in it since they were still good.


So my options are to put a whole 3.23 rear end under it, or just put new pinion bearings in it...


or throw the 3.23 rear end under it so i can drop off my 3.42 rear and get them to freshen it up.

 

pinion bearing isnt a bad job. keep your shims in order and go for it.

 

What parts do each rear axle have inside of them?

In the end, I would just make sure you have the stronger of the two. The ratio's are too close to matter...

 

Damn, should I check mine? Sitting at 348,000 miles. I don't really notice any vibrations though...

 

I think my pinion bearing is going in my DD too. I have the same slight vibration. Not really looking forward to doing it.

 

Well i think i can get my buddy to have it done with new pinion bearings for $80.

No go on the 3.23 rear. Its been sold. Some reason i think some high gears would be cool with the top end power.


So new bearings and we ready to rock

Mine has seen some pretty good stress towing heavy loads and a heavy foot.
And i didnt clean out the pumkin good when i put the diff bearings in.

Crawl under the truck and give the pinion a tug. If it moves any, they are goin.

 

I'd just open it up and hose everything down with brake clean, put new pinion bearings/races in and roll with fresh oil. Shouldn't be more than a hour or two job at the most.

 

I HATE gear oil.. not sure if i hate Transmission fluid worse.. but im getting bearings and figure it out after that.

 

The only thing I hate worse than trans fluid is coolant... I'd rather roll around in burnt motor oil than get a drop of coolant on my hands... I HATE coolant lol

 

trans fluid is definately worse. gear oil on my hands....trans fluid all over my back, shoulders and in my hair. usually mixed with some coolant. and if you are messing with a trans, it's usually burnt fluid. ugh.my next garage WILL have room for a lift.