I've started noticing a popping coming from the rear end. In drive, on a roll, No gas, you can hear a ping, ping ,ping sound, and from a dead start when you give it the gas the rear end will POP.

could this be the U joints, differential, trans case, or something else.

It's been a while since I've done and drivetrain work, so any tips on how to tell one thing from another would help.

Thanks

 

sounds like it might be the U-joints.

 

Your title got me thinking this:

 

If your lucky it is just the U-joints. Does it pop when you go from drive to reverse and vise versa?
You should be able to get under there and grab the driveshaft and check for excessive play.
The U-joints aren't as easy to replace anymore. You may (depending on year truck) have to torch the old nylon u-joint retainers out to get the u-joints out.
The new ones go in like they used to. With metal spreading or c-clips.
Hope this is the case for you.
If not ............ you know where the problem will probably lie.
If the u-joints check out ok, then drain and pull the rearend diff cover and see what your old axle fluid looks like and the internals look like.
Also to add, check your front driveshaft as well. My brothers 2001 Z71's front u-joints were beyound wore out. That was at 98,000 mi.
We went a head and replaced all of the u-joint (front & rear drive shafts) while we were under there.
His problem like you described went away.
Good Luck!

Jim

 

Thanks Chevy6000vho..... As far as for Tractionless... The title goes with my Car, not the truck.

 

I think he meant "popping sound from rear-end" haha

 

Mikne was doing the same thing.Then I blew out the G80.Now I have a Auburn differential and Motive Gears.

 

99 black Z71, I think your right.... After looking at it,,, that **** is funny. I work for the prison system here in Texas and after reading the title again, I just opened the door for a come back.

Askipper, I hope this isnt the problem.

 

Sorry... I should of been a little clearer. Don't know what the poping sound could be... but I hope you get it fixed soon.

 

I had the same problem with my 02 RCSB Z71. The rear end started popping and on my way to get it checked at the dealer it went out completely. Lucky I just locked it in 4 Hi and drove on. I talk to the mechanic that fixed it (under warrenty thank goodness) and he said that he did not know what caused it but the spider gears exploded. He said it looked like someone stuck a piece of c4 in my rearend. He told me that when he took the cover off that parts feel everywhere.