When decelerating between 40 mph and 30 mph I hear a howling sound coming from the rear end. Also there is a vibration at 65 mph to 70 mph. The dealer balanced the driveshaft which did help the vibration, but did nothing for the howl. The truck has factory 4.10 gears, 3500 srw, 4x4, and a short box. It also has all brand new ujoints on all shafts. It goes back in tomorrow, I just don't know if they can figure it out. I am thinking ring and pinion, and I have only owned the truck for 3 months. The guy before me pulled a 16k camper truck has 75k miles on it.

 

Did the dealership check the carrier bearing (hanger bearing)? They are notorious for causing issues.

 

Mine is a one piece driveshaft because it is a short box no carrier bearing.

 

From what I have read on the Internet it could be the pinion bearing preload might have come loose. This could cause a howling on deceleration, but so could the bearing itself.

 

Guess I should have re-read your post about the short bed.....sorry. Yeah, probably might be something in the rear if the joints are relatively new.....just don't count them out!!!! I had factory joints go severly south at 15k miles....it was ugly!!!

 

Dealer cannot figure out what is causing the issue. They gave me the truck back and have an open star case with Dodge. I told them it has to be something in the rear differential, but they won't open it up unless Dodge tells them to. They took the drive shaft off again had all the ujoints checked, and checked the balance of the driveshaft again.

I have an extended warranty I bought from Dodge, but what good is it if they cannot even get the truck fixed. I don't want this thing locking up on me doing 70 mph down the interstate.

What else can I check/do?

I a going to take it to a non Dodge service shop next week or so to see if they have any ideas.

 

I'd pull the diff cover and check the gears for any abnormal wear patterns.....if they ain't gonna do it you might as well!! Good time to check the fluid too.

 

Ok, I took the truck to another dealer much larger probably the largest in Iowa. They hear the noise as well and the vibration. They are going to keep the truck and check the ring and pinion as well as the pinion pre-load lbs. I hope they can find the issue after this. I think it has to be something with the ring and pinion. For now I have a Charger rental.

 

Sill have vibration, but it is a little better. Dealer put 4 hose clamps on the end of the drive shaft which helped. I removed the diff cover and changed the fluid everything looked very good inside nice and clean with normal wear patterns. The only thing I can think of is just to buy a new drive shaft and see if that fixes the problem. Anyone have any other ideas, or know the best place to get a good drive shaft at a reasonable price?