Proton Jr...near fixed...but rotational / fan / whirring noise still there

[VXorado]

I believe Triathelete replaced his U-joints a while back, maybe ask him how difficult the job was. You can buy new u-joints at indy4x for $40.

Which u-joint, transfer case or diff? The upper U-joint/driveshaft assembly can be easily removed from a Trooper and directly fitted to a VX. I paid $20 last month for an entire trooper driveshaft and the u-joints were in good condition. The top splined section is the exact same as the VX while main part of the shaft is too long. Definitely the cheapest way to go if you need to replace the upper U-joint...

[Y33TREKker]

Are we to assume then that the fan/whirring noise changes relative to rolling speed, and not engine rpm or HVAC blower motor speed?

I'm sure your Isuzu mechanic is trusted as you say, but if the sound you're hearing is in fact being caused by a worn u-joint, $500 to replace it is excessive. With some time, a good shop vice, a medium-sized hammer, some deep-well sockets (or something with the appropriate diameter), some needle nose pliers, lube grease, and some penetrating spray, replacing a u-joint yourself is possible, although admittedly they can be a PITA sometimes.

I don't know what your schedule is like, but before I'd personally pay $500 to have someone else replace a u-joint for me, I'd instead take that money, buy a good quality replacement (the ones from indy4X VXorado mentioned for instance), do the work myself, and use the $400 or so dollars you save for something else.

[MSHardeman]

Like Trekker said, does the sound vary by engine speed or road speed? If it is, in fact, a whirring/fan sound it may just be the blower fan under the dash board. Every now and then, mine will come in contact with something and make a ticking sound until whatever it was gets out of the way. Maybe the bearings on the blower fan are going out and that is what's making the noise.