98 ranger SLT ext cab, 4.0 V6, auto, RWD. 8.8 rear end w/open diff and 3.55's.

Okay so I need some help tracking down two noises:

Weeks ago I started getting a chirp/squeal related to wheel speed. I could hear it any time I drove by a wall, next to another vehicle, anything to reflect the sound with the windows down. It wasn't constant, and I couldn't replicate it by hand turning any wheel, but it was pretty loud when present. My first replacement was U-joints. That did nothing to change the behavior. then I did rear wheel bearings since leaning my head out it sounded like it was coming from the rear. I should note here, the bearings I picked up at O'reillys for an 8.8 ring gear didn't fit. Exchanged them for ones for the 7.5 and they fit fine. It's definitely an 8.8 (I swapped one into my jeep and know the look, the bolt count on the cover is right, the tag matches 8.8, etc....). That seemed weird.

After doing the outer bearings/seals I have two problems:

1) The chirp seems lessened, but is still there. It just happens less often.
2) Now I have a bump that goes with wheel speed. Seems to be in the rear, feels like someone stuck a stick across the tire tread. It's a very detectable bump at low speeds, and fades into a vibration at highway speed. Could I have damaged the outer axle bearing while putting it in? Had one dead on arrival? Or does that sound like maybe I somehow badly reassembled the diff?

Any help or input on the chirp (could be a front hub, haven't done those yet) or the whump would be greatly appreciated. I'm mechanically inclined but this thing hasn't really given me any trouble before so my ranger-specific knowledge is minimal.

Sorry if this is the wrong sub forum and thanks!

 

Nevermind the bump part.

Rotated the tires to see if the bump moved and it went away. Best I can figure is the rotation covered up a balance issue or else I somehow forgot to fully torque one lugnut on one rear wheel.