OK, I'm posting this over here because I started a thread in the wheel section (https://www.f150online.com/forums/wh...-question.html) and it appears that what I thought was a wheel bearing problem is actually a differential problem.
Summary: I have a whine from the rear end of my 2000 v8 4.8L. I pulled out the whole differential interior except for the pinion gear attached to the drive shaft. I started the car and it makes the whine I've become accustomed to. I'm concluding that I need to replace the bearings in that pinion gear. Here are some questions:
1. Can I replace the pinion gear and leave the races in there?
2. Can I just assume that the spacer thats in there is probably appropriate and just press a new bearing on the pinion? (judging from the wear it appears that the alignment is good)
3. My spider gears are all galled up (you can see pictures in the above thread link). Can I replace those or should I just get a whole new posi-trac differential unit (I'm thinking something like this for around $300: http://dagostinoracing.com/index.php...7&currency=USD)
4. I asked this on the other thread, but how much in/out play should the axles have when fully installed. Mine have about 3/16" or so.