Gmc Rear Axle Problems

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I have a 2004 GMC 1500 Sierra 4x4. Recently when I pick my foot up off the gas, it feels as if I'm going over rumble strips. It is not a constant rumble--it starts and stops, starts and stops. It also feels as if I have an anchor hooked to the truck. Also, there are times--not everytime--that when I slow to a stop the rear axle will give a slight clunk.

 

Tranny is new. U-joints are new. Engine runs great--96K miles.

 

I believe it is in the rear axle, however, I just would like to narrow it down even further if I could.

 

First time to post here, so I hope I wasn't too vague.

 

Thanks.

[Stevens03]

Welcome to the site. Well from your description, I would have pointed you to the u-joints, but since you said they are new, obviously a different problem. Next, I'd look at the slip yoke. Drop the drive shaft and lube the slip yoke and see if the noise/clunk goes away.

 

While coasting, if you turn one direction or another.. does the noise go away? Could be a bearing too.

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Thanks. Interestingly, it is more of a vibration than an actual noise. The "clunk" only occurs periodically when I stop. While coasting I have put the truck into neutral and the vibration is still there. One of the most aggravating aspects is it does feel like I have a "jake brake" hooked to the truck--of course, not stopping me cold, just trying to find a way to describe this crazy thing.

 

One question: What does it feel like when the limited slip goes bad in the axle. Just a thought, but I'm at a loss.

[ChevyTech77]

Tough to believe that it is a diff issue if the concern is still present with no load on the drivetrain (i.e. trans in neutral). Could be an axle bearing or something like that but you'd have bearing noise with it.