1998 Silverado 1500 Rear End How...

A pinion seal leaks for one or boyh of these reasons. A worn pinion bearing or a driveshaft vibration, Sounds as though you have both. Do not confuse tire howl with gear howl, be sure.The rear end can run 3 to 500.00 if not more. Ck the gear oil in the rearend for metal content. That will tell you alot. The hard shifting is generally from a sticky spool in the trans valve body. Have the trans serviced w/new oil and filter. The new oil often cleans the moving parts of gum and varnish buildup.in the valve body. One more thing, the rear ends take a special oil and additive if it's a limited slip or posi lock. You will have a popping/binding noise when turning if the wrong lube is install. Have your driveshaft aligned and balanced at at driveshaft shop.or you will end up tearing up the tailshaft on the trans. Good Luck

the grease helps to cushion the gears when shifting sounds like most of the problems if not all are in rear end, the rear end repair requires a good bit of expertise and tools, best bets are used axle swap cheapest, reman gets u warrenty, or have yours rebuilt, but careful goto really reputable place