Ticking noise from rear end

I have a ticking noise coming from the rear end, predominantly on the right side that just started a couple of days ago. i hear mostly under acceleration and braking but not during revving or idling. It's an '11 TRD V6 6-speed w/100k on it. only mods are an AFE CAI and Flowmaster dual exhuast. sounds like when i was a kid and i'd put playing cards in my spokes on my bicycle tires. ive read some posts that it may be a bad pinion bearing. ive religiously stayed on top of all the maintenance, changed all fluids, plugs, etc. i do tow often (6k lb camper and 3k lb boat). ive heard getting water in the rear end could break down non-0synthetic fluids quickly. Could the fluids in the rear end break down prematurely when submerging it taking the boat in out of the water (shallow ramp so usually have the back end submerged right to exhuast tips)? its due for service next week so i'd love to have some ideas to have them look at when i go in. i can do basics myself but dont have the skills or confidence do anything major.

Thanks All

 

universals in the drive-line, try greasing them and see if the noise changes or goes away

 

Thank you very much for the reply

 

Did you fix the problem? Mine started doing this as well. Common theme is u joints, I haven't greased mine in a minute and at work so I can't check them.

 

Does it get faster with the speed of the truck?

See if you have a rock stuck in the tread of a tire.

 

Positive it's not a rock. Know that sound. Only happens from a stop and while turning after truck has been sitting cold for awhile. Not evident after warm from driving. More evident when making a r/h turn. Driving me crazy I can't look right now and was wondering if anyone has fixed the issue by replacing u joints. Seen similar threads with same issue. Thanks for the reply!

 

And yes it does get faster with speed and stops once i straighten out. Best description I've seen is like baseball cards in bicycle spokes.

 

I would be checking the LF wheel bearing.

Might not be involved at all, but costs nothing to check.

U joints are more prone to click in reverse.

 

Clicking sounds like it's coming from right rear tire, but sounds bounce around weird sometimes. I'll have a look see, doesn't seem like bad bearings but at the same time I've never heard u joints that sound like cards in spokes either. Thought it could be inside the cab until I rolled down the right rear window and it was very noticable.