driving home tonight about 20miles into the trip i had a loud bang out of the rear end and then a grinding and poping noise so i slowed down to hear were it was coming from ( somewhere from the tranny to the rear diff) no clue on what it is. i climbed under neath nothing dripping, i grabbed the drive shaft no play out of it. so i limped it back to town maybe 5 miles on the way it sounded like it was as if something was wrapped around the drive shaft and hitting the box (nothing around the drive shaft) as i came to a stop light i did a break stand no lose of power both tires spun. as i left the stop light sound was quitier but as soon as i hit a couple of bumps the sound came back. the noise sounds like its coming from a confinded space like the rear diff as if something is bouncing around. i have never experienced anything like this befor and im at a lose
does any body have any help for me

 

Driveshaft is the only thing that moves out of the trans.
Take a close look at the U joints. You may not move them if their under tension so check with no loading on the joints.

 

dido on the u joints. I would also check the pinion bearings.

 

I also agree on checking the U-Joints but I'm worryed about your rearend too.

Like Bluegrass said you need to releave the tention to check them.

Just put the Trany in Neutral and Jack both rear wheels off the ground.

If you don't find a problem there, I'd pull both rear wheels and brake drums off and feel for play on the axel hub. There shouldn't be much. And when you rotate the axel it should feel smooth. If you see any play or feel drag you are lucky and it's just a axel bearing. You can get a repair kit at NAPA for under $30. And it's not too difficult. (the repair kits come with the bearing and seal and move the bearing to an undamaged protion of the axel)

Next I'd remove the Diff. Cover and check for any loose pieces in there. And Ouch for your wallet if you find any.

Doug