I pulled my Spider gears out of my rear Diff so I can get my D off the trailer. When I pulled them out there was no Center Spring holding the side Spider Gears towards the Clutch packs. Is this normal or was the spring taken out? I know it is an LS cause after I took the Spider gears out I saw the clutch packs. This axle is bad so replacing with a new axle that is not an LS but will be getting a Lunch Box locker for my new to me axle. Thanks is advance. Here is what I got when I get her home.

 

I take it the rear pinion bearing is MIA? I bet that made some REALLY rude noises when it went..... Likely the ring and pinion are trashed as well. Replacing the entire rear axle is definitely going to be less expensive than rebuilding yours....

 

Not sure what happen at all. The previous owner said something happened and brakes all locked up. They took it to a shop and they quoted her $3,000 .

 

The differential grenading is what made her think the brakes locked up. It's essentially the same affect.

The shop was likely going to rebuild what was there, and replace EVERYTHING in it....... including the carrier.

 

This must be a very common problem with the Dakota's ranging from like 96-2000. I had the same 'brake' problem with my 99, I finally found an axle on ebay for $330 with free shipping but it didn't come with any of the components, just the axle.

 

If yours isn't badly damaged, would end up costing the same as a rebuild... possibly more.....

 

Don't think it's a very common problem. This is the first time I've seen anyone even mention blowing up axles in these. Maybe if you're beating the hell out of stuff and not taking care of it properly it's common.

Order yourself some new bearings, maybe some gears too if you like, and get a carrier from the junkyard.