I have a 2001 Z28 B4C. I had noticed a whining developing in my rear end, a while back. I pulled the cover and discovered that I had a pinion bearing going bad. I had been wanting to go to a different ratio, so I figured might as well do that now while I had it opened up. Purchased new ring and pinion kit and installed it yesterday. Adjusted until I had a good pattern on the ring. Put it all back together, and took out down the road. Performed the recommended break-in procedure that was suggested by the retailer i purchased the ring n pinion from. (Rigid axle) I now have a constant whining. Accelerating, decelerating, doesn't matter. Even when I threw it up into neutral and coasted. It's constant. Anyone had this problem before or any insight into what may be causing this?

 

Did you keep the same gear ratio?
How much backlash did you set it to?
How much pinion preload?

 

No. I went from a 3.23 to a 3.55. And as far as backlash and preload, I couldn't tell ya. I let my friend, who knows more about that than I do, handle that part. Oh, and I might also add, Im am working with a zixel torson carrier.

 

Knowing this would help. I'd ask him.

 

IF the whining noise is continuous, and doesn't change in character or pitch going from accel to decel, than it is very likely excess pinion bearing PRELOAD.
Start with a couple new crush washers, and DO IT YOURSELF this time, your "friend that knows more about this" should NOT be in attendance as you learn to set up the differential.