rear differential problem

[Greenway]

I've done a search but I still haven't been able to figure out the gear ratio in my 2000 LS V8 Sport. I'm pretty sure the differential is about to go out. It's making a constant whining noise at any speed. I'm considering buying a used one and the salvage yard employees have them in but don't know what the ratio is.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[JohnnyBz00LS]

I've done a search but I still haven't been able to figure out the gear ratio in my 2000 LS V8 Sport. I'm pretty sure the differential is about to go out. It's making a constant whining noise at any speed. I'm considering buying a used one and the salvage yard employees have them in but don't know what the ratio is.

Thank you in advance for your help.

There should be a tag or marking on the diff housing. Also, if your '00 V8 was built prior to July '99, you probably have a 3.58 ratio, otherwise you probably have a 3.31 (??) ratio, as it was changed shortly into the 1st year production run. I think they changed back to the 3.58 in '03 also. The V6s had a different mix of ratios over the years, but I don't know much about them.

One other thing, be sure it's not your half-shafts going bad, they've been known to be a problem and cause similar noises.

 

[Greenway]

thanks for the quick reply. I will check the housing.

You think the half shafts might possibly be the problem? I wonder if this would be a less expensive fix than replacing the entire differential.

 

[mharrison]

I had a constant whine with a bad wheel bearing. It did start out only at certain speeds, but eventually became constant.