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How do I know what type of rear differential I have?

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Old 02-11-2013, 04:05 PM
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Default How do I know what type of rear differential I have?

I just bought a 2008 Ram 1500 4X4 for my daughter. I want to know if I can tell what type of Differential it has without opening it up. I'm thinking it may be positraction, but I'm not sure. The reason I want to know is because I took it to work today and was supprised how easy it was to break the rear end loose in a turn on a wet road or even changing lanes on the hwy on a wet road (I was maybe half throttle). Even on dry pavement it chirps in a tight turn. (Maybe the previous owner put lockers in it, this thing is scary). She's got horses so I needed something that can tow her trailer even when the go to events and part in the field which is sometimes wet and a bit muddy/slick so it has the 4X4. But I think the rearend makes it too dangerous for her.

Any thoughts appreciated.
 
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Old 02-11-2013, 04:09 PM
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Request a build sheet through a member on here named DodgeCares. Send them your VIN and they'll send you a build sheet and if it has "Anti Spin Diff" on there then you have an LSD (limited slip differential). If not then it's an open diff. Or like you said someone put in something after market but I doubt a locker because they're tricky to find for our rear ends.
 
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Old 02-11-2013, 08:10 PM
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Look at the sticker in the glove box too.
 
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Old 02-11-2013, 09:44 PM
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08s don't have the sticker. At least mine doesn't. Also it doesn't tell you if you have an LSD or not I believe.
 
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Old 02-11-2013, 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 08HEMI1500
Request a build sheet through a member on here named DodgeCares. Send them your VIN and they'll send you a build sheet and if it has "Anti Spin Diff" on there then you have an LSD (limited slip differential). If not then it's an open diff. Or like you said someone put in something after market but I doubt a locker because they're tricky to find for our rear ends.
Powertrax lock-right should have a model for 08's...
 
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Old 02-12-2013, 03:03 AM
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Does it have a hemi? I was under the assumption that all the hemi trucks came with lsd
 
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Old 02-12-2013, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by ChuckvB
I just bought a 2008 Ram 1500 4X4 for my daughter. I want to know if I can tell what type of Differential it has without opening it up. I'm thinking it may be positraction, but I'm not sure. The reason I want to know is because I took it to work today and was supprised how easy it was to break the rear end loose in a turn on a wet road or even changing lanes on the hwy on a wet road (I was maybe half throttle). Even on dry pavement it chirps in a tight turn. (Maybe the previous owner put lockers in it, this thing is scary). She's got horses so I needed something that can tow her trailer even when the go to events and part in the field which is sometimes wet and a bit muddy/slick so it has the 4X4. But I think the rearend makes it too dangerous for her.

Any thoughts appreciated.
ChuckvB,

As 08Hemi1500 advised, if you'd like to PM me your VIN#, I can send you a buildsheet, which is a list of the options the Ram came equipped with from factory.


Originally Posted by Radam3
Does it have a hemi? I was under the assumption that all the hemi trucks came with lsd
Radam,

Not all Hemi's have a limited slip differential, that's an option.
 

Last edited by DodgeCACares; 02-12-2013 at 01:15 PM.
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Old 02-12-2013, 01:46 PM
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Loose dirt or sand always worked the easiest for me
 
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Old 02-12-2013, 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by weedahoe
Loose dirt or sand always worked the easiest for me
This is by far the most fun option

The build sheet, however, has all the data about your truck when it left the factory. Lots of useful information.
 



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