JDraper

As mentioned above, I'd first try putting some friction modifier additive in the rear differential. If they changed the rear differential fluid while servicing the vehicle and didn't realized that it needed friction modifier, it could be your trac-loc rear making the noise. If so, adding friction modifier will solve the problem.

treyg870

I'll try that this weekend. I'll let ya'll know how it turns out.

darkmach1

If I'm not mistaken, since I was extremely tired from working a 12hour nightshift, the guy that built my rear(no homo ) said that adding too much friction modifier wears out the clutches, if not the clutches then something else, like I said I was to tired to understand what he was saying.

treyg870

I'll probably go ahead and change the fluid while I'm under there.

rygi23

Trey, you're right...this could be the excuse you need for the ball and chain to "let you" get new gears. Though short-throw shifters don't cure a shot syncro, my wife didn't know that! If you do, do it right...get 4.30s and use either Mobil 1 synthetic or Amsoil oil with FRPP friction modifier.

treyg870

Changed the fluid to Mobil 1 yesterday and made sure to add friction modifier. This helped the noise a little, but not much. The guy helping me checked something and thinks that the bearings are going bad which is causing the noise. The good news is that he has the tools and know-how to help me fix it for just the cost of parts.

We also discovered that the entire rear axle assembly has been replaced. Not sure if this indicates anything bad or not. He checked everthing else underneath while we had it on the lift. Couldnt find any other issues.

rygi23

All things considered, not too bad news. Obviously, your car has seen a little track time in the past. If you think you may do gears in the future you may want to just see how much the difference in cost is.

treyg870

Yeah. I'll probably go ahead and upgrade the diff, gears, axles and everything else while I'm in there. Might as well get it over with.

The dude helpin me out said that he changed the entire rear end in his car to a 9 inch, mainly cause he races it. He said that's what he'd do in this car if it were his. I dont know a ton about the mechanical aspect of cars, but I do know that 9's are darn near indestructable. You think this is a viable option, or more trouble than it's worth? I have no plans to race this car or run it all that hard. The good thing about the 9 inch is I can get the gears for next to nothing from a friend in the nascar business.

rygi23

9" is an awesome rear. It's strong and gears can be switched very quickly, but you don't need it. It's also a bit heavier. It's overkill for your purposes and it'll cost a pretty penny, but it's your car so just do what makes your heart content. If you don't plan on running it all that hard I would go with a 4.10 gear.