Well, it started yesterday. Popping when putting it into gear or taking off. I figured the trans had finally kicked the bucket(160,000 miles on the truck) Today, I crawled under there and checked all the u joints, they were still tight. I noticed that my carrier bearing mount was cracked so I welded it up. While I was under there, I got someone to hold the brake and put it in gear, the shaft is turning about 1/2-1" and clunking hard. Seems like there is excess slack in the gears. Now here comes the question. How much borrowed time am I on, it doesnt make noise driving, only on some take offs and putting it into gear. I need the truck to make it until next week when I have time to get to it. I have the gears already, but what installation kit do I need. I see some for $100 and I see some $22-35 dollars. I am keeping the open diff for now, going from 3.42s to 3.73s. I need to keep the price as low as possible until after Christmas, I have already spent way to much money this month. Also, these symptoms dont sound like trans related do they? I know the fluid still looks good, the temps are still normal, appears to be rear end to me.
Cliff notes:
How long will the clunking gears hold up.
what rear axle, spline count do I have(04 silverado open diff)
which one of these kits do I need:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GTA-35-2022/
or
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RMG-831021B/

 

Anyone have any input. I know its 8.6 ,10 bolt. Anyone know how many splines?

 

You should contact Ron's Machine Service. He has pretty good prices on everything.

 

I would think it's your spider gears causing the movement. I got a open diff with 50k on it I'll give you. I bought a bearing kit from bumper to bumper autoparts 75 bucks I think.

 

Thanks guys. So even if I swap out the ring and pinion, I could still have this problem because of the spiders. You know I forgot all about those being in there. I wonder if it was caused from those donuts I was doing the other day, or just general wear. I have done a ton of burnouts, but most of them were straight line. I think its just the mileage on them, both wheels have been locking up and spinning together now for months even though its open diff.

 

my spiders did that, when i would foot brake my truck, one wheel would start to spin and then a loud clicking, Tru trac time!

 

What sucks is about a year ago I had one and a set of 4:10s to put in, I decided I didnt want to mess with it and sold them.

 

You may be able to milk it along until after Christmas but there's really no telling how long it will last. And you have 30 spline axles, good luck.

 

On a side note, getting some great gas mileage driving like a granny.LOL

 

Well at least there's a positive side to it. Stay light on the pedal or you will be walking though.