diagnosing my problem...?

[YukonRidin23]

alright, if you guys saw my last post i went and picked up a 97 yukon 2 dr. i was told the transfer case and the rear differential neede repair or replacement. after looking at it, i think the transfer case is fine, but the rear differential is missing a couple bolts and has been through by someone else obviously. so im wondering if you guys think the ring and pinion would need to be replaced or what other parts are known to wear in there? the truck still shifts extremely smooth, changes from 2wd to 4 hi-lo perfectly, goes in reverse smoothly, and forward smoothly but will make a grinding noise sometimes? i think that the previous owner ran it in 4 hi going down the highway and thats what would cause the problem, correct me if im wrong?

 

[mygreen98]

you said bolts missing? from where exactly? you'll need to pinpoint where the noise / grind is coming from. the rear also has bearings, input and shaft bearings for starters.

 

[YukonRidin23]

the differential cover, someone had obviously taken it off before to check it out, and only put two bolts back in to hold it on. its alright, i havent driven the truck like this.

 

[treepete]

man, theres a good chance theres no fluid in it if there are only 2 bolts in the diff cover.
I suggest to not drive it like that.
a ring an pinion arent terrbly pricey, but i think it would make more racket if they were damaged, and your description doesnt sound like they are.
Just get a locker while your in there...

 

[YukonRidin23]

yea, there was no fluid but the truck hadnt been driven since the fluid was drained. i looked and i didnt see any metal or chipped gears on the ring and pinion, is there anyway to go through some checks to determine the problem? it can drive smoothly, but it will grind if you get on the gas sometimes, as if its gears slipping in the diff?

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

does it have the factory limited slip in it?

 

[YukonRidin23]

im not really sure, is there any way i can tell by looking under the truck? sorry about my dumbfoundness, im new to cars/trucks, just came off working on bikes and trying to learn as i go. is there any good manuals that i might be able to go pick up that'll help me out a little?

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

it would be in the RPO codes listed in the glove box. if i had any idea where the list from my truck was i could get you the one code to look for, but idk what happened to it.

that or i can send you a pic of what the limited slip looks like out of the diff. (i have the stocker sitting on the work bench since i just had the auburn put in the rear end)

 

[treepete]

do the RPO code reveal ALL options on a particular vehicle? 'cause I want to learn about my transmission and dif gearing etc.

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

it will show you what gears you have, it'll tell you you have a 4l60e transmission, trim package, paint codes, a bunch of **** you don't need to know like emissions for the build, that the truck was finished, and some other useless info.

i wrote the whole code listing down and decoded mine a month or two ago. took a little while, but found out it's a Z71 which made it completely worth it. (funny since i almost didn't buy it because the dealer said it wasn't a Z71)