So I drive a 2003 Durango SxT with (i believe) the 4.7L V8 engine and about 125k miles on it.

I was on my way to work driving straight at about 50 mph when my rear differential started to tear itself apart as a result of a missing plug that allowed all the oil to flood out.

I just had the front two top ball joints replaced, had about $1100 in engine work done, and am wonering if this is the begining of the end? Should I dump the money and try and find a replacement rear differential or should I cut my losses and look for a new vehicle?

Cheers!


tl&dr: my rear differential gave out after 125k, replace it or the entire car?

 

Depends... are you gonna do the work yourself or a shop? This is NOT a known problem with these rigs. A rebuild by a shop ranges from $1200-$1700 depending where it's done. Personally i had my carrier bearings start to "whine" at 160,000 miles, i did the work myself and cost me about $25 for the bearings.. You could also find a nice doner axle at the junkyard and swap it. when i called around here they where going for about $100-$150 bucks.

To me personally i would fix it... but it's kinda a situation here where its to each there own. Good Luck with whatever you decided!

 

Id probably go with a junkyard replacement since these trucks dont have an issue with them normally. Just change the fluid when ya get it and make sure your plugs are tight

 

Thanks for the quick replys fellas! Unfortunately I dont have the means to do such work at the place I'm live at, but I have started searching scrap yards for the parts with hopes that a friend with a garrage can put humpty dumpty back together again.

Its tough finding parts like these at affordable rates considering my handicap as a Californian.

The hunt continues.

Cheers!

 

Make sure the r&p ratio matches your old one otherwise (if it is 4x4) you can screw up a lot. But if its not 4x4 then your speedo will just be off.....

 

+1 don't want one problem fixed to cause another