Differential Whine
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2000
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Differential Whine
My 1965 F-100 has developed a whine which I believe is the differential. It's a 3 speed standard transmission and a 302 engine. Not sure of the gearing of the present rear-end. Any suggestions on what's the best course (buying new ring and pinion gears, if so are they difficult to change out....or finding a used rear end and changing the entire unit (axels, rear end and all?)
Thanks.
Thanks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
you probably have a 9" rear. The pumpkin is easily changed on those from what I understand. The gamble, is just finding one in good shape cheap. You can also get a gear change this way if you wanted.
As far as changing the gears. I've never done it, since many people have reccomended to have a drive-line shop do this. Otherwise, you get whining and/or premature wear. I think it has to be set up just right.
As far as changing the gears. I've never done it, since many people have reccomended to have a drive-line shop do this. Otherwise, you get whining and/or premature wear. I think it has to be set up just right.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Grab your pinion/or driveshaft and try turning it with e-brake set(with tranny in neutral). How much rotation is there?? Alot?? It should just barely "click" each way. If you get more than that, it is worn and probably causing noise.
My '67 had alot of slop and a nice low pictched whine at highway speed. I pulled the center and tightened up the backlash a bit. It helped,but since it was already worn in a bit, you can not get all the noise out. Once a gearset has a wear pattern, anything off of that will create noise.
Depending on what you can find, you can do it a few ways(mentioned by gtex). Most swap meets you can get a nice unit for $200(just a center section-or "pig"). Sometimes you can find a complete rear for that. It all depends on your luck.
You can switch out a center in just an hour or so with some basic tools. Pull axles, unbolt center,drain grease, clean up everything, install new center, install axles. Your done.
With your motor I would bet you have 3.50 gears out back. Pretty common set up for that combo. It might be higher if it had a towing package.
Changing the gearset and setting it up yourself is a possibility, but you do need some special tools. Setting the preload on pinion bearings and side bearings are critical to a long life. Any repair manual should have the basics to do this. I'll do my own street car stuff, but my race car I have a friend do at his shop that specializes in it. It's a bit more critical and gets alot more abuse.
Larry
My '67 had alot of slop and a nice low pictched whine at highway speed. I pulled the center and tightened up the backlash a bit. It helped,but since it was already worn in a bit, you can not get all the noise out. Once a gearset has a wear pattern, anything off of that will create noise.
Depending on what you can find, you can do it a few ways(mentioned by gtex). Most swap meets you can get a nice unit for $200(just a center section-or "pig"). Sometimes you can find a complete rear for that. It all depends on your luck.
You can switch out a center in just an hour or so with some basic tools. Pull axles, unbolt center,drain grease, clean up everything, install new center, install axles. Your done.
With your motor I would bet you have 3.50 gears out back. Pretty common set up for that combo. It might be higher if it had a towing package.
Changing the gearset and setting it up yourself is a possibility, but you do need some special tools. Setting the preload on pinion bearings and side bearings are critical to a long life. Any repair manual should have the basics to do this. I'll do my own street car stuff, but my race car I have a friend do at his shop that specializes in it. It's a bit more critical and gets alot more abuse.
Larry
