Rear end noise

So the rear end on my 68 Dodge A108 is a little noisy <insert joke here>. I've checked the gear oil and its fine, even added a little until it spilled out the fill hole (didnt have to add much). But going down the road there is a noticable noise from the rear end. Not a grind, not a clunk, its not the u-joint... its just a whooooosh sound that follows the wheel speed (faster = louder, slower quieter).

someone said they thought Dodges just had a kinda loud rear end, but this seems excessive.

Any thoughts? are they just loud? Is it just the van configuration thats giving me a good harmonic back there?

I just dont want to spend a ton getting a new pumpkin put in just to find out its just as loud as before... although Posi-Traction would be nice.... but I wouldnt go to all the expense JUST for that. If it wipes out the noise AND give me posi... ok....

but I thought I'd check here first to see if this is a common problem with the Dodge rear ends.

also... which rear end did the A108's come with?
7 1/4?
8 3/4?

sorry for the questions.. just new to Mopars.

Have you checked your Wheel bearings? and check your trans output and pinion excessive play, if it's worn it will cause that sound....

DanTheVanMan wrote:Have you checked your Wheel bearings? and check your trans output and pinion excessive play, if it's worn it will cause that sound....

I have not done either, but not a bad idea. I was thinking of taking it in to a trans place for a full flush and filter replacement. Will have them check that out while they are at it.

not needed... (free post)

Mine was real noisey to and with some good advice from Donivan I pulled my rear axle all apart, replaced the bearing and it has been smooth sailing ever since.

DanTheVanMan wrote:Mine was real noisey to and with some good advice from Donivan I pulled my rear axle all apart, replaced the bearing and it has been smooth sailing ever since.

which bearing? Wheels? axle? pumpkin?

Wheel bearings were my issue. Even when I pulled them they seems ok to me and cleaned everything up, put it all back together thinking I had really fixed nothing. But WOW, what a difference.. I can hear my radio now!

original piece would have been 8 3/4. there will be movement in and out of the axles but an up and down will be play in the wheel bearings. they "wheel bearings" usually sound like your travelling on a gravel road but if the noise changes when turning to the left or right it is a wheel bearing. spin the rear on jack stands for a minute and then take a small magnet and go into the fluid as deep as you can. dont wipe it off but check the lube for very small particles of metal. if you see anything its time to take the carrier assembly out and inspect closer. there is a casting number on the pinion snout to tell what rear you have. most likely a xxxx741 or 742 case. the best and most rare is a xxxx489. do the checks first and we will go from there............good luck........jeff

Right now the sound starts at 30+40mph and is most noticeable when off the throttle (well, its a little quieter in the van altogether so I dont know that it get LOUDER when off throttle).

Will check the wheel bearings first (easier and cheaper than rear end )

I intend on driving the van long distances so checking the wheel bearings isnt a bad idea to begin with.