05 V6
3.73s and t-lock for over two years.

Driving home tonight as I slowed down to a stop light, I heard a loud slip-pop from the year end. I had my stereo up and still heard it. Slip noise lasted for less than a fraction of a second before the pop noise.

Drove the car on home. Shifts are sluggish and car feels heavy. Something is not right. RPM's are where they should be. No problem maintaining speed. Just feels like I am towing something, but something that is not too heavy.

No fluids leaking at this point - or at least I could see tonight.

I have no idea even where to start. Help

 

Jack her up, take off the tires, then the driveshaft and rotate the pinion flange and see how she spins. -Jon

 

What would I be looking for?

 

it should turn freely, with no hardspots, it should be smooth all the way around in a full rotation. Try putting on your ebrake, then turning the pinion again and feel how much play( backlash) you have. A rearend will be set for .008-.012 on the rear end backlash. If it feels more or less than that you will have to have it looked at or rebuild it. I have a 9" rear outside and .010 amount turning on the pinion is not much. Just to give you an idea, thats the thickness of 3 pieces of paper is roughly how much it should feel in between the gears. -Jon

 

Just took it out for a drive.
45-55mph.
Drove through a neighborhood taking left and right turns.

Car still drives "heavy". No chatter or anything.
Engine is pull hard though - running hot.
Car pulling a bit to right.
Slight break squeal on back right.

Sounds like I have a brake issue, but what in the heck was the gunshot pop!?

 

Do your own little inspection...
Check the u-joints on the DS. Herd it's a problem on a sixer.
Check your rear caliper/pads etc...

If you're not FI, the differential should be OK.