Trans problem?

[mitchk]

So recently I've been feeling some weird stuff from under my truck. It's been going on for a few weeks and seems to getting worse. Wen I first noticed it I thought it was just loose wheel bearing cause I would only really notice it around turns. After doing the rear wheel bearing cause they needed replaced the feeling was still there. I sort of narrowed it down to the trans I think. It only happens wen I'm in gear and its seems to be worse around turns. I need to replace the front u-joint on the rear drive shaft cause it knocks aroud and I'm gonna do the front wheel bearings and hubs since winter is on its way and my car won't move in the snow. The thing is the trans shifts just as good as it always has. I also put about a quart of oil in it befor I went to school last weekend cause it was getting low and that made the feeling go away but it was the worst it's been yesterday after driving it back home. It seemed fine the whole three hours home but once I got off the highway it started making a slight moaning noise almost like a hum while in gear driving which it doesn't do besides the normal Getrag noises. I want to do the u-joint and hubs befor I even think about tearing into the trans but if it does end up bein the trans is it a big job to rebuild it myself or should I just find a spare one and throw that in and Mabey rebuild this one as an extra over the winter. And what's a good price for a used one and where can I find a rebuild kit. I need the truck for the winter and since I'm back in school I'm broke. Oh and it's a Getrag. It's hard to describe exactly what its doing so sorry for the ramble. Thanks Mitch.

[oldestof11]

Hows the transfer case fluid?

[mitchk]

Transfer case fluid was a little under the fill plug but I could feel it sticking my finger in the hole. Didn't look too bad either but it could probably be changed cause I don't know the last time it was.

[CumminsPower59]

Replace that bad U joint first, now. You'd be amazed at the noises they can produce. Then if you think that there is still an issue, check your rear diff, as you mentions it makes the noise while making turns...

[mitchk]

Ye. I've experienced a real bad u joint. Thought the truck was gonna shake itself apart every time I let off the gas on the highway. I need to leave the truck home now while I'm at school and all my tools are there so I can't do anything at the moment. The u-joint will definetly be first and the front hubs just cause. I also noticed the output shaft on te transfer case had a little bit of play in it as well so that could be part of the problem.
As for the rear end, a little while ago I drove through a big puddle and a little bit of water got into the rear end for a couple weeks befor I had a chance to change the fluid.
Now that I think about it that may be the problem. It was doing something similar wen that happened but it felt much better with the new oil. What I'm wondering is Mabey the friction plates in the rear end could have built up some corrosion and that's why it doesn't like to turn. But the new oil would let it slip more but after the drive home yesterday it was probably warm enough to not help as much. Don't know if that would make sense. Also don't know if the rear end would sound like it did.

[DodgeFreak]

Did you use a limited slip additive??

[mitchk]

No additive. Just napa 80W-85W-90 gear oil.

[DodgeFreak]

If you have a lsd then you need the lsd additive otherwise the rear will chatter. Dump the rear again clean everything as good as you can add new with additive.

[mitchk]

Ok. What additive is best to use.

[CumminsPower59]

Any kind of limited slip additive will work, I use Spicer stuff...green and nasty as hell, but works great.