bad noise coming from rear end

[J10Mike]

hi guys,
i think i have as slight problem. i was backing up a steep hill tonight when i heard this god awful "ting,ting,ting" coming from my rear. I already knew i had some play in my amc20, but, i didn't think it was that bad. i have already ruled out the rear ujoint.
my j10 has 4 inch lift, 35x12.5 tires, and 3.31 gears. after hearing that, i took a quick trip around the neighborhood and the rear end seemed fine forward and in reverse on level streets as well as moderate hills.
what's your best guess as to the problem?

mike

[andy d]

exhaust hitting something?

[gsmikie]

rear driveshaft front u-joint

[J10Mike]

No, it's not the exhaust pipe and both ujoints on the rear driveshaft are new.
it is the same noise i get when i put it in reverse from drive. except, the "tang, tang, tang" noise was in rapid succesion.
any other ideas?

[gsmikie]

transfer case chain ??????

[J10Mike]

nope, it's definately coming from the pumpkin. would lack of gear oil cause that? would tightening the rear yoke take out some of that play?

[gsmikie]

is it low on oil ???? is the yoke loose ????is it leaking ????? have you looked at it ???

[J10Mike]

i haven't had the chance to get under the truck yet. it does leak a little at the rear gasket, but, no leaks from the yoke. i don't know if the yoke is "loose". i do know it has allot of play when turning by hand. i haven't checked the gear oil as of yet. i'll do that in the morning.
i think it's a good time to look for limited slip or lockers and 3.73 gears.
which would be better? limited slip front and back? or, lockers front and back? I don't tow a trailer very often.

[J10Mike]

btt