rear-end grind

96 grand cherokee, 5.2l, my rear-end grinds, gets louder with speed, does not change pitch or amount with acceleration or deceleration(like a gear issue) new bearings both sides and mechanic says 800 bucks to fix, any ideas??

diff side bearings or axle bearings

i replaced the outer wheel bearings, closest to the wheel, when i did that i looked at the ring gear teeth and they didnt appear worn. doesnt mean they're not

id say rear pinion gear i just had a 96 do the same thing and it was the pinion gear where the driveshaft hooks on at. put a new gear and seal on it its like new

sounds like the differntial side bearings are out which was a pretty common problem with these rigs particularly if it has the aluminum housed dana 44 the only solution is a bearing replacment and make sure the side bearing preload is set properly