My 2000 1500 with GU6 3.42 ratio rear end is about to die on me. It started making jarring noise last night when making turns. It was fine as long as driving straight. I was afraid I would not make it home. Went to back up into driveway and major clunking jarring noise like something was about to come apart.
Any ideas what is broke inside of the rear end?

I have never done a rear end and I am pretty mechanical fix everything myself type of guy but I am thinking easier to change rear end out with salvage unit.

Can I make any repairs without dropping the axle? CAn I replace parts in differential case without pulling whole assembly off truck?

Oh, and where can I buy a salvage unit?

Thanks guys.