So-
While driving around 45mph and above, I can hear a very faint growling noise coming from what sounds to be the middle of the rear end. I can also, at times, hear a slight "grind" when I drive off at about 5mph. I lifted the '04 Envoy SLT up from the rear and put it on jackstands. I grabbed the drive shaft and turned it and it had about a 1/2" play in it either direction. Next, I grabbed the rear tires and it had about 1" play forward and backward (not in and out). Is this normal? Could the gears be so worn that the differential doesn't "catch" as it should? Also, I removed the diff. plate and inspected the gears. I did not see anything worn or out-of-the ordinary. There was, however, gear oil on the undercarriage and the diff. itself and this positively indicated a bad diff. seal which I was about to replace. BUT, the backplates were completely rusted out. BTW, the vent line was clear and clog free so that eliminated it as a suspect.
A few questions:
1. What are the advantages/benefits of replacing my rear axle assembly with an axle assy. from an EXT that has the 8.6" gear in it (keep in mind that I have the G80, GT4 3:73 locker); are there any advantages?
2. If I did replace the whole rear end, would I need a spring compressing tool to remove or separate the springs from the wheel wells and axle ?
3. On a new rear end, how will I know if the pinion bolt is set to the proper torque or will it most likely be set correctly?
4. Any way to properly identify what type of rear axle assembly I am purchasing especially if I purchase it from a junk yard?
Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated!
While driving around 45mph and above, I can hear a very faint growling noise coming from what sounds to be the middle of the rear end. I can also, at times, hear a slight "grind" when I drive off at about 5mph. I lifted the '04 Envoy SLT up from the rear and put it on jackstands. I grabbed the drive shaft and turned it and it had about a 1/2" play in it either direction. Next, I grabbed the rear tires and it had about 1" play forward and backward (not in and out). Is this normal? Could the gears be so worn that the differential doesn't "catch" as it should? Also, I removed the diff. plate and inspected the gears. I did not see anything worn or out-of-the ordinary. There was, however, gear oil on the undercarriage and the diff. itself and this positively indicated a bad diff. seal which I was about to replace. BUT, the backplates were completely rusted out. BTW, the vent line was clear and clog free so that eliminated it as a suspect.
A few questions:
1. What are the advantages/benefits of replacing my rear axle assembly with an axle assy. from an EXT that has the 8.6" gear in it (keep in mind that I have the G80, GT4 3:73 locker); are there any advantages?
2. If I did replace the whole rear end, would I need a spring compressing tool to remove or separate the springs from the wheel wells and axle ?
3. On a new rear end, how will I know if the pinion bolt is set to the proper torque or will it most likely be set correctly?
4. Any way to properly identify what type of rear axle assembly I am purchasing especially if I purchase it from a junk yard?
Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated!