Can anyone recommend a good site or source for rear diff rebuild instructions for a 98 Durango. The rear make a constant noise and the right axle bearing has alot of in & out play. I am hoping the whole rear does not need an overhaul, but if I remove the cover, I want to know what I am in for. Thanks.

 

Bearings don't dictate lateral play in a semi-floating axle. That'd be the C-clips in the carrier, and a small amount of play (<1/8") is normal.

If you have never rebuilt a differential, I strongly recommend you either have someone do it or have an experienced person walk you through it. Instructions will tell you how to set backlash and check pattern, but not like someone who has done it before can. Diff's are kind of a touchy thing, and expensive to learn the hard way.

 

As for parts, would try Randy's Ring and Pinion.

 

I Am In Your Shoes Right Now. My Wife Bought A 98' 5.2 4X4 With 9.25 12 Bolt Rear. The Wheel Bearings Were Shot At 145,000m So As We Finished Them We Spun The Axle To Double Check The Lineup. Sure Enough The Pinion Bearing Sounds Bad. Gotta Buy A $65.00 Tool From Dodge To Release The Preload On the Carrier Bearings Because The Diff Doesnt Want To Come Out Of The Case