Someone recently bought the Parts Geek one and what came was very much an OEM GKN shaft.

 

It was....unfortunately though, installing it didn't make that rumble noise go away! I don't know what else to try. I fear it's the bearing in the T-Case, but don't know why the steering wheel input would influence that.

 

I think these are normally e-torx bolts so maybe a previous owner had replaced yours with SAE hex? Also, IIRC the 4 rear bolts are torque to yield and should be replaced.

 

Thanks....did y'all catch the part about the driveshaft NOT being the source of my rumble/noise? I fear that it's the bearing in the T-Case....again.

 

You have a known problem here. The rubber bushing isolates the arm from the frame. 25 degrees steering is a lot. You may be floating the the bushing sleeve by turning that hard and eliminating the noise. If you can, maybe shove a piece of rubber in the bush to see if you change the noise without biting the bullet on a rear overhaul.

Just guessing on possibilities.

 

Good video on rear driveshaft. Shows the issues with cheap versus GKN....

 

The saga continues. After now having charge propshaft and both front hubs, rotated the tires...the rumble persists.

Noting that my tie-rod ends in front are a little worn and my rear upper control arm bushing is toast, what else could make a sound that is a dead ringer for a bearing? CV-joint?

I do plan on addressing these other items but I'm treating it like triage and want to at least get out of the woods because The rumble is getting louder and safety is becoming a larger concern.

 

What about the rear hub bearings ?

 

Those are next on the list. I had sort of ruled them out since the noise goes away in a (left) turn and the rear wheels don't turn....but they do get unloaded in turns, so I suppose it could still be a rear bearing, most likely the left.

 

So far I'm finding rear bearings sold as just that....in other words not the entire hub just the bearing. Is that the proper way to source them? Are they difficult to install? Is it important to replace the nut and circle clip as well? Are they the same part L/R or do I need to find two different parts? Much appreciated!