I posted a while ago complaining about rear end grinding.  I've replaced the wheel bearings and parking brake components...so those two problems are ruled out. 

Joel might be the one to answer this one, but have you checked the rear end bearings, plates, etc for the posi system?

[QUOTE=shanes79]I posted a while ago complaining about rear end grinding. I've replaced the wheel bearings and parking brake components...so those two problems are ruled out...[/QUOTE]

Well...maybe...maybe not...
Are you sure the noise is only coming from the ds rear?
If so, then there has to be an issue with the bearing assy, the p-brake, or the service brakes. I know folks get tired of hearing it, but I'll say it again..."New don't mean JACK". Granted, most new stuff is fine, but being new don't mean it'll work...OR last.

Is it a metallic grind, or could it possibly be the tire rubbing on something, like the spring end bolts?
If it only makes the noise under acceleration, and only on one side, then something has to be moving out of place. You may want to take a look at the bolts that hold the half-shaft flange to the spindle...if they are loose, or working themselves loose, it might let the flange rub...not to mention the horror of the shaft flying out at speed... Of course, if the flange bolts were loose, it would normally have a vibration also, but ya never know.
Does this car have a rear stabilizer bar?
I would suggest you raise it up and have a good look at all of the suspension stuff...

Now..if the noise just sounds like it's coming from the ds, but it's actually coming from the diff...then there's only one thing it can be...the diff.

As far as storage considerations for 5 months, I think there are several threads on storage ideas/routines in the "Car Care" forum...I think.

Be safe while your out there playin in the sand...and Thank You.

Shane;First and foremost, THANK YOU for your service! We really appreciate you and the sacrifice you are making!For storage, especially if no one can get to it, don't forget to put STABIL in the fuel system.
Storage tips1

Storage tips 2

Storage tips 3

Hope these help.CRAP, I never can get these things to work. NORSKY, JOEL, SOMEBODY, can you fix these links for Shane?Thanks


(fixed links)

Thanks, Joel!
dnv2008-03-25 07:44:19

Shane,

Kevin makes a good point.  You can get posi-fluid at Auto Zone.  It's what our local mech. recommends rather than the GM stuff.  I'll see if I can get the name of it or maybe 71Shark will read this and remember. 

I think he has a bottle at his shop.

When do you deploy?  Have you done the pre-training yet? 

Keep yer head down!

Joel is right again!  We sell quite a few rebuilt trailing arm assemblies, and a good percentage of those are to people who say "I already have all new parts". 

A thought about diagnosing.....  Go to a chassis dyno and run it.  You might be able to pinpoint the noise before you spend a fortune.  Our local shops get about $100.00 including some tuning time, so it might be even cheaper to just listen.

Larry

Thanks for the input everyone. I've taken the rear apart (again). .
I finally got the spare tire rack off...30 years of crap really made a pain out of removing those bolts.

Looking into the diff...fluid is a little low. I'm gonna go to autozone as soon as im done here and pick up some new fluid and the Posi additive. I've also got the rear tire off.  I re-threaded one of the lugs with the wheel off and used a bar to spin the rotor. I can't really hear any noise...there is a "clunk" every now and then, but nothing major.

I'm gonna try changing out the fluid and then take her for a test drive.  Hopefully the fluid and new additive will solve the problem.  If not, then I may resort to taking her into the shop next week   Definitely hurts the pride to admit defeat and pay someone to fix something you can't.

If anyone else has any other suggestions I'm all ears.

...and as far as the deployment.  First, thanks for everyone's support. I am an Air Force Pilot, so my danger level is far less than the Army or Marines...those guys are the real hero's...I'm just the guy who takes them to the fight.   I deploy next month sometime...date still TBD.  But I'm training complete...ready to go do this thang...again

Shane fly safe and thanks for supporting us grunts on the groud!!

Just a thought...  If you heard an occasional clunk when turning by hand, could you have a bad U joint in a half shaft?  It might just occasionally make noise at such a low speed, but really complain at higher speed.

One more thing to check before admitting defeat.

Larry