1994 Camaro Z28, A4, 2.73 stock rear, 108k miles, no real mods just CAI and !MAF screen

Nope, it's not a whine. Once the car has been driven a while, like 10+ miles, I can hear a clunk under accelleration which happens about once per revolution of the tire.

How can I tell what part(s) of the rear is gone? Car seems to still pull posi, but it hasn't stopped snowing here in Maryland long enough to be sure. (No dry pavement anywhere)

Assuming you think you know what the problem is, how difficult a repair is it in my garage with no compressor?

Also... what exactly do I need to do to swap to 3.42 gears if I go that way? I have 2.73 now, and want input on difficulty of swap, best source of parts, and approximate cost. (Reprogram needed?)

 

So you hear it once per revolution of tire? Hmm..strange.
It could be a broken off teeth on the R&P. Or a bent axle touching something inside the tube...
One thing, raise the vehicle and check the driveshaft play. If it has a decent play, it's something with the ring&pinion.
I think it's absolutely impossible to do it at your garage. You'll need a rear end specialist!

 

Is it a clunk or a grinding?

Have you checked the axle bearings? If one goes real bad it will make a real nice groove in the axleshaft.

 

Thanks for the help, all.

It's a clunk, not a grinding noise.
Have not really checked axle bearings, but would expect to be able to hear it all the time if it were a bearing.
Seems about once every revolution of the tire, but not positive...

Takes a moderate amount of pedal to cause the noise; it stops if coasting in neutral or mild acceleration, does not seem to happen under decelleration.

It's difficult to hear, but still present, at very low speeds and at high speeds; most easily audible at medium throttle, no other traffic, between 15 and 40 mph.

Had it up in the air yesterday, and clunk noticed when tires moved opposite directions. IE, if one pushed forward and one back, heard the clunk, and tires moved an inch or so before coming to a stop.... Hope this helps and doesn't confuse the issue...

 

TTT, need some help here guys...

 

Open the cover and inspect it.

 

That sounds almost like what my '97 Tahoe is doing. Im sure its the u joints on the driveshaft though. I hear a clunk going in and out of gear, and from drive to reverse, etc. It makes a clunking sound under acceleration, mid to heavy throtle, and vibrates sometimes on decelleration. Im taking it in to get the u joint replaced asap. If any of this sounds familliar, you might just need u joints as well. Just thought Id through it out there. I dont know much about rear ends though, just that mines getting swapped with a 12 bolt this spring.

 

If it sounds like it's clunking every revolution of the tires or driveshaft, it's probably a broken pinion or ring gear tooth. Been there myself just recently; had to get a new ring and pinion installed. A new ring and pinion set with an install kit goes for about $300 with about $200 to install. Look at it as an opportunity to upgrade to 3.73s. Hopefully your posi unit is OK, otherwise add some $$$ for a new posi.