just recently there has been a noise ( thumping sound) coming from the back end of my truck. everyday it sounds like it is getting progresively worse. i think it is the hub assembly but could it also be the drums. when i take turns its loud but when i'm driving and on the gas, the "thumping" becomes faster as the speed increases. now i'm not sure but the hub in the back is different than the hub assembly in the front, so is it different to replace it? how would i take the hub off because there is no hub nut. sorry for the newbie questions. i might just replace the drums and shoes and if i can the hub. does anyone know how much the hub costs? thanks and also i jacked up the truck today and it moved up and down so that is another sign it could be the hub. is this a big project cause i know i hate changing drum brakes.

The back doesn't have "hubs". Only the front does. The back axle is a conventional Spicer-type rear end.

If you have a problem back there, it's likely to be a wheel bearing. If so, don't be driving it - you can get metal into the rear end and ruin it.

Get a service manual, even if it's Chilton or Haynes. And if you're not experienced in diagnosis, take it to a shop and have them diagnose it, then fix it yourself.

Rear wheel bearings cost $40 the last time I checked.

At www.AutoZone.com (http://www.AutoZone.com) they have good instructions on how to change the wheel bearings in the rear.