We just purchased a 1996 Blazer. It ran OK for a bit but, now is making a loud sound in the back. We've troubleshooted the problem to be somewhere in the rear differential. I think. There is a ton of tiny gold looking metal shavings in the oil. The gears look good except the pinion gear (I believe). Something is grinding. It was alittle dry in there before we added fluid to it, but not dry enough to destroy it. The rear bearings look good too. Any information would be greatly appreciated. (No rude comments please, this is my first vehicle)

 

Do you have a picture of the differential with the cover off?
Pictures of the flanks of the pinion and wheel would also help.

What would "A little dry" mean? Something like no fluid at all just looking shiny all over?

 

Welcome to the forum. The metal shavings are bad news. The parts need to be disassembled, cleaned and inspected. The GM 10 bolt is very common and there are many videos on rebuilding them. Congratulations on your first vehicle and excellent choice Sir. Looking forward to the first project with it. Repair of replace the rear diff.

 

Alittle dry means that the fluid ran low but everything still had alittle oil on it. We had put more in but the noise never quit. Something has definitely been ground down. We took some of it apart already. I'm not sure how to post the pictures.

 

 

Time for a new ring & pinion!

 

Better at this point to look for a complete rear end.

 

Yeah, seems that part of the teeth on the pinion have broken off and worn down.
A complete rear axle would facilitate the repair.