Now that it is actually running again , I have rediscovered the other issue I had noticed. While traveling at slow speeds, about 8-15 mph, I heard a dry grinding noise coming from the rear end. At first I thought it was the brakes, but it does it even while I'm not braking. Any suggestions? Is it a major issue that would make it dangerous to drive about 30-35 miles tomorrow in the big snow storm we are supposed to get?

 

Brake backing plates love to rot out on these things, might be dragging on the rotor.

 

Did I read correctly somewhere that the axle needs to come off to replace?

 

Yup, to do the job correctly, both axles have to come out to replace the backing plates. There are two piece backing plates available, and the axles do not have to be removed to install them. Kind of a rinky-dink set up, but I suppose they wrok.

 

I had the same problem. I just cut mine out but i don't recomened it. I would do it the proper way if i was you. I would have but just don't have the time.