Driveline Noise

[Area 52]

I put on 4 new BFG tires thinking the 5-year old ones were hard with flat spots because I was getting a droning rotational noise...the faster I went the faster the noise. The noise is still present. No vibrations. Now I suspect a possible worn u-joint...perhaps on the right front axle (Dana 35). What is the best method for determining if one or both of the joints is worn?
I was thinking of engaging the transfer case to 4 wheel low (manual TC) and then jack up the r/f wheel-tire and crawl underneath and watch the u-joints as I try to turn the tire backward/forward.
Will this do it or is there a better method?

 

[Shran]

If you are in 2wd when you are hearing the noise then it has nothing to do with the front end (unless the wheel bearings are bad or you have your hubs locked.)

I would be looking at everything in the drivetrain past the transfer case, and possibly front wheel bearings as well.

 

[Area 52]

Thanks Shran...I'll inspect the r/f wheel bearing later today. The single piece driveshaft and rear axle are relatively new...but will look at the ds joints too.

 

[The_Dealer]

x2 on wheel bearings, esp if it does it worse when u turn...also could be the discs warped...u joints usually vibe under load or when u are going at highway speeds and u let off the gas, and when u barely give it any...best way to check is chock the tires(make sure u do it good, my b2 ran over me when the parking brake released and lacerated my spleen). and put the rig in neutral and move the shaft and check for play. alot of times ujoints squeek, because they are dry