So, recently I decided to lower my 98 s-10 blazer LS 4dr with some local 3" lowering blocks and I'm starting to hear a somewhat loud, and irritating whining noise up at speed. Before I used to have a somewhat noise of the rear wheel bearing going out but, I have no clue if that might be the reason? I was reading a previous post about the sway bar could be the problem? Any help works! Thanks, Dover

 

Could be you have a worn u-joint and the new angle of the drive shaft is causing it to make noise.

 

Is it a fairly easy job to change?

 

Yes U-joints are fairly easy to change.

Mark driveshaft and pinion yoke so when you reinstall they are properly lined up (indexed).

Unbolt and remove the driveshaft.

If you still have stock u-joints you will need to use a torch to melt the nylon plugs out of them.

Many members have used and suggest using a bench vise with an old socket that is slightly smaller than the end caps to squeeze the old u-joints out.

I recommend buying greasable u-joints.

Install new u-joints being very careful not to lose the end caps and have your needle bearings fly all over the place.

Reinstall making sure the mark/line you drew earlier on driveshaft and pinion yoke line up.

Torque to spec (not sure on this one).


I have to ask though, did you get angled drop blocks or straight blocks? Angled blocks allow the rear axle to sit at a similar angle as stock to minimize binding. This may be part of the source of your noise.