2012 RAM 1500

I started having a popping sound coming from my rear end. Thought it was the brakes but they are good. Wondering if it could be the Diff or possibly universal joints. Could use any suggestions at this point. Thanks

From one vet to another, thank you for your service brother. USARMY

need more info to help diagnose.
have you hauled any heavy loads or have you ever changed the bearings in the rear drive?
is the pop from one side or during acceleration or hard braking?

Do you have a limited slip differential? If so might need to change the gear oil or add additive.

Go underneath and check the universals first chock all 4 tires put in N to take load off of driveline and see if the U joints have play

welcome to teh forum.

grab a setof jjcak stands, lift the rear of yoru truck, place stops in front of the front wheels, place it in neutral and move the wheels by hand and listen.

It's most likely the driveshaft center bearing or rear u-joint.

But, put er up on jackstands as others have stated. Put Tk in N (not running), then crawl under and rotate the driveshaft by hand. Push up/down on the center driveshaft bearing with a lot of force ...see how it feels. Same with the front (of the rear d/s) to check that u-joint. Remove the rear of the driveshaft from the diff and feel the U-joints. Then rotate the pinion by hand.

You might want to remove the rear wheels. Put a couple lugnuts on each rear rotor to hold it to the axle, and push in the caliper on each side (with a c-clamp) so the rear diff rotates more 'freely'. Then 'feel' how smooth or not the pinion action is as you rotate it. Lift up on each rotor to feel the bearing play. There might be a slight amount, but it should be very slight.

I would also check the front driveshaft ....and while yer at it, the front CV Axles too ...if it's 4x4. Might as well check the fluids while yer under there. And since yer this far, it might be a good time to take a bit more time and bleed all the old fluid out of the brakes, replace with new. Firm up your brakes a little. Probably needs it. Git er dun all at once! LOL