Rear noise...another one...just to be sure

[hghgrad]

Well, I'm buying an 02 EB 4x4 (112K miles) off my father in the next month or so. I've noticed that while driving from 35-55 there is a noise coming from the rear. Sounds like it's sitting on a set of super swampers almost. After that, the noise seems to quiet down quite a bit. With the radio on, it's almost un noticeable...but with the radio off, it's driving me nuts.

It seems to make the same noise on or off the gas, and it seems speed dependent (faster/slower with the speed of the vehicle). It's got some sort of highway tires, and I've been in some pretty deep snow trying to rule out tire noise and it seems to happen no matter what terrain it's on. My 02 XLT on AT's didn't make anywhere near this kind of noise.

Sorry to bring this up as the search provided alot of hits on this, but I'd like to hear opinions on this anyways.

Thanks for the help.

 

[drudklr]

could be a u joint or a bearing. Maybe even just an unbalanced driveshaft, that'll give you weird vibrations at certain RPM's.

 

[hghgrad]

It doesn't have a vibration really, more of just a humming noise. I'm going to do the recommended diff oil change to the heavier stuff. I plan on taking it in to have it checked out. I don't really want to do major overhauls on this right after buying. My 02 4.0 4x4 XLT seemed to have more problems in 65K miles than anything I've ever owned.

 

[drudklr]

Good idea getting it checked out 1st, every car i've bought this year has had some kind of hidden problem(sick of working on crap in the snow).

 

[hghgrad]

I'm buying it either way really, getting a good deal on a well maintained truck. It'll still be well below book if I have to rebuild the diff. Really just trying to figure out if this sounds like a bearing or the diff before I take it in.

I'm pretty sure I'm capable of fixing whatever it is myself as ive rebuilt engines and transmissions before, Im not sure I have the motivation though.