I can hear my center diff whine as I drive. Accel and decel do not seem to make a difference (like a bad ring & pinion would). It's not real loud but I can hear it. I come from the land of chain-driven transfer cases, so I might just be spoiled to quiet operation. I suspect some whine is normal with a gear-driven box, but want to be sure.

When I bought this rig a couple weeks ago we popped all the drain plugs and and replaced the lube. The center diff smelled horrendous, even by gear lube standards. The drain plug magnet was choked with shavings but no chips. Refilled with 75W-90 and no improvement (maybe a little louder).

I put a few hundred miles on it and dumped the lube again. One sliver of metal on the magnet (probably a left-over) and clean lube poured out. Replaced with 75W-140 synthetic. Much quieter now but still there.

I think I'm okay but would love an experienced opinion.

 

Yes some noise will be there, without riding in your truck its hard to say if yours it excessive or not.

 

Thanks. "Some noise" is all I would classify this as. Again, not loud, just there. I appreciate the reply.

 

Yeah, it sounds like you are ok. Whine will usually be there, clunking should not.

Mine quieted down after a good change to the 75-140 as well.

I just changed engine oil and went with Max-Life, that really made it quieter and smoother as well. My first experience with any synthetic stuff.