Just purchased this truck, great condition, except for the annoying, "wap-wap" bearing noise in the rear end. What's the best fix? Is there a newer/older model rear end I can swap in, bolt for bolt?

Also I heard changing the plugs is an all day job?

2004 F 150, XLT, reg cab, long bed, 4X4, 9.75 rear end, 5.4 L

Dave in North Carolina

 

There are lots of threads on this forum about changing the plugs. Do a search. If you read and follow the threads advice, you may be able to remove them without breaking them off and having to use an extractor.

A salvage yard will be able to tell you what rear ends exchange. May as well go for one with traction lock if you change out the entire rear.

Perhaps you could explain the noise a little better. If it is an axle bearing, the noise should change when you turn right or left. Are you sure it is not the tires?

 

It's definitely coming from the rear end housing, checked everything else

 

Keep us posted on what happens.