Howling, growling type noise

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Sbone

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Mar 23, 2014
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Ram Year
1998
Engine
318
I have a 1998 ram 1500, 318, I have been noticing a howling, growling type noise coming from under my truck. This noise happens in all gears except neutral and reverse. The noise does not change with different speeds either, but the truck has to be moving in order to make it happen. How I know it doesn't do it in neutral is because I put the truck in neutral at to top of a long hill and coasted all the way to the bottom and it was quiet, I then did the same thing but left the truck in drive, both with the O/d on and off and it makes noise the whole way. I have checked the rear differential fluid level, it is good, and have cheeks the transmission fluid level, it is also good. I am lost as the what my next troubleshooting step it to narrow down the problem. Any help is appreciated and I'll answer questions to the best of my knowledge.
 
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Sbone

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Ram Year
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What does that mean? I need to shell out the money for a new transfer case? Or what can I do?
 

leadrofthepak

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Location
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Ram Year
1998
Engine
5.2
Check fluid, you may be hearing gear noise due to low fluid. If you have low fluid you most likely have a bad seal, easy fix.
 
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Sbone

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Alright, I can do that, what type of fluid does it take? And is there a write up somewhere on changing that seal?
 
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Sbone

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Thanks, I'll get to the ASAP. I'll let y'all know what happens. Also have to tear the front end apart next weekend due to the axle shaft ujoints going bad
 
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Sbone

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Should I put an additive in with the fluid? Like they show in that video adding Lucas oil stabilizer?
 

leadrofthepak

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Location
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Engine
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Personally, I do not believe in additives. I think they do more harm than good in the long run. But if you feel differently about them, it is a matter of personal preference. Good luck :)
 
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