Sonoma Drive Lines

CBRUMLEY · July 12, 2001

I just bought a '97 SLS 2WD extended cab with 90K miles. About a month later it had developed a growl a freeway speeds (drive shaft). This thing has (had) a CV joint at the differential end. Does anyone know why GM chose this approach? I had a custom unit made which deleted the CV joint. It cost the same as having the thing rebuilt to stock. Just wondering if anyone else here has had this experience.

LT · July 12, 2001

I don't have your answer but welcome to This forum. I'm sure you will like it here.

Frank S · July 12, 2001

I may have to fire up the microfiche machine later on and take a look at that.

I can't say as though I've ever heard of the S-series trucks having a cv joint in the rear end.

Welcome aboard!

Stepside Z · July 13, 2001

I'm no expert but something sounds fishy to me. I don't remember GM doing that.

Frank S · July 14, 2001

According to what I can find you have the 7.625" conventional ring ang pinion set up.

There is no mention of a cv joint anywhere near the rear end.

Was it maybe the pinion that went out?

CBRUMLEY · July 16, 2001

Quote: from yZR2k on 11:14 pm on July 13, 2001
According to what I can find you have the 7.625" conventional ring ang pinion set up.

There is no mention of a cv joint anywhere near the rear end.

Was it maybe the pinion that went out?

I'm not sure what was failing, the whole back shaft section was replaced. The CV joint was located between a conventional U-joint and the differential. It did not appear to be non-stock, in-so-much-that both my regular shop and the drive-line shop knew it was there; though niether could tell me why GM chose to put it there. It's gone now, and there appears to be no adverse effects to it being missing; kind of like a tonsile, I guess.