Hey guys, I have a 2000 blazer 2 door 4x4 with 3.42 gears and a G80 locker, it has 218,000 on it now and I'm not sure when the diff fluid was changed last seeing as how I've only owned it for a year now. Anyway, when on the gas I hear a howling noise that I suspect if from the rear diff. I'm not positive but I'm open to everyone's opinions. It's not a wheel bearing or a u joint, I know that much but I'd like to see what everyone has to say. Also if it is that what do I have to do? Rebuild or just bearings?

 

Hard to say without hearing it or looking at the truck, but it sounds like possibly the pinion bearings are shot.

The easiest way to find out is to start pulling it apart and see whats going on. Id recommend replacing all bearings and seals while you're in there... If you're willing to learn its not that hard rebuild / set up the gears, You'd just have to buy a couple specialty tools. Otherwise just have a shop check it out for you.

Edit: another option is just swapping in a whole new axle assy. from the junkyard. Could potentially save you a lot of money if you were going to pay a shop to rebuild.

 

All I know is it's howling and there is oil seepage coming from the pinion. I have the ability to change it all out but is it worth it? Or should I just get a new axle? Just not sure where to go with it.

 

if theres oil coming from the pinion and its howling then there lies ur answer. my dads chevy truck is doing the same thing and his is the pinion bearing. he happens to work at a shop and got his checked. to rebuild that will cost $100/hour and a minimum of a 4 hour job not including parts. a junkyard axle is way cheaper and u could always swap ur g80 into the new one if couldnt find another axle with one. pinion seal u can change without tearing into the axle, but the bearings are still shot.

 

Status update! At slow parking lot speeds I hear it growling and grinding now. So I'm going to put all four wheels in the air and spin them all just to make sure it's not anything else. I bought a stethoscope to check everything properly. Hoping it's not the diff but I'm sure it is. Anyone know if a ford 8.8 drops right in? I heard they do.