Help identify strange noise at Highway speed

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

chief_shotts

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2021
Posts
15
Reaction score
21
Location
beaverton, OR
First Name
edgar
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
k30
Engine Size
383
I need help identifying an odd noise that occurs at highway speeds (above about 2500 rpms). I would describe it as a repetitive whirling swoosh noise that picks up as rpms increase and then decreases to nothing as rpms slow.

A bit of context: the hole for the transfer case shifter is wide open because the truck was originally 2wd converted to 4wd and i haven't gotten around to modifying the hump to fit a shifter boot. Therefore any noise from road and drivetrain is quite noticeable. I had the motor rebuilt and after installing is when i noticed this noise start. prior to the engine swap i do not recall hearing this noise.

I am at a loss for what could be possibly causing this sound. Truck drives great. Engine running strong. Transmission shifts nicely.

It may also be pertinent information to mention that when i reinstalled the motor the already steep geometry of the front driveshaft was slightly shifted causing the drive shaft u joint to make contact with the transfer case support cross member and so i have the front driveshaft temporally removed. Could this noise be related to front axel or transfer case and made worse by removing the drive shaft?

If anybody has any ideas please let me know
 

fast 99

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Posts
2,095
Reaction score
3,075
Location
Spokane, Washington
First Name
Brian
Truck Year
81,85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
Does anything change when put in neutral? A hole in the floor will amplify any noise.

Is it possible to capture the noise on a video. What you describe is unusual.
 

77Dmax

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2024
Posts
74
Reaction score
147
Location
vt
First Name
Joe
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
6.6
Put a boot over the hole first. There are a lot of normal drivetrain nosies that you don't hear.
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
5,624
Reaction score
9,201
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
What are the chances you changed engine mounts? Poly or steel mounts will make noises much more noticeable.
 

chief_shotts

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2021
Posts
15
Reaction score
21
Location
beaverton, OR
First Name
edgar
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
k30
Engine Size
383
Does anything change when put in neutral? A hole in the floor will amplify any noise.

Is it possible to capture the noise on a video. What you describe is unusual.
ill do my best to capture the noise on video but for now i am plagued with a no start condition. Back fire through the carb :/ ill be working on that for now.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
44,436
Posts
957,934
Members
36,805
Latest member
SquaredAway
Top