OK, just bought a 1996 Tahoe with 4x4 and 115K and I have diagnosed several problems already, but here's a new one. The dealership says the noise I am hearing as I accelerate is the rear end. They have quoted a new rear end at $1500, please let me know if that sounds about right and does anyone have another alternative. I am familiar with the Richman gear from Jegs, can't I use that and have them repack it with GM bearings? Any help is appreciated!

Why don't you examine your rear end first? All it will cost you is a Differential Cover Gasket and a little RTV. Take your cover off, inspect your Ring Gear thoroughly for pitting or bluing caused by heat. Remove your c-clips for your axles and remove them too. Check the area that the bearing rides on, on each axle. Take out your driveshaft and check the wear of your transmission yoke and try and wiggle your pinion shaft/yoke on the differential. Honestly, I don't think you need a new differential, but hey, anything is possible. I would ask the dealer to see if a Technical Service Bulletin covers your particular noise. Hopefully it's not the service writer just trying to cushion his paycheck. I personally would try replacing the rear wheel bearings and seals first and changing out your diff fluid with some Mobil 1 synthetic 75-90 gear oil. Won't cost more than about $80 and some time on the weekend. My rear end on my 96' Z71 had a little pitting on the axles themselves where the bearing rides, but not enough to scrap the axles. Just take a Scotch-Brite green pad to the surface and really use some pressure by wrapping your hand around the axle and twisting the pad. It will make the area smooth and shiny again. Rinse out all the crap from the diff with brake clean. Replace cover and refill. May or may not clear the problem, but as least you'll have a better understanding of what they will replace. Good Luck -Chris

If the noise you're hearing is on acceleration, chances are it's you pinion bearings.

These can be replaced for less than $100. If you do it yourself. Add another $100 to have someone else do it.

The dealer, as always, is a thief...

What is it wrong when you get a deep, strong rumble ( steering wheal has a small vibration) when slowing down from 48 to 45 mph and the sound is the same in gear or out 2x4 or 4x4? Whould that be the rear end too? Dave

Thanks for the ideas. It turns out to be the rear end. I took it to Pro-Gear in San Diego and the replaced all the bearing and one axle that had been scared with a bad wheel bearing. With new seals and the ring and pinion set up it sound good now. $854.00. The bad news is that when they had it on the rack and testing it the found a bad rod bearing that’s making noise. O well something new to have fixed. Dave