I found the Belleville washer Has broken on the driver side of the diff I am wondering how safe it is now to drive it locally within say 3 miles at 30 MPH or less until I can get the entire carrier and clutches replaced
to me it seems the C clip or Axle clip may end up having enough free play to fall off is that possible ??

Sorry forgot to say 2000 Durango 4X4 SLT 5.9 with 260K mileage
Before anyone says replace it that is a hard no. this thing is dang near in same shape it was at 5 years old when my neighbors bought it.

 

You can get rebuild kits for the clutches and such. It's lasted this long on the originals, I see no reason to replace it.

C-clips should not be able to escape. Axle needs to move IN a LONG way before it can fall off, and the axle for the spiders prevents that. Should be safe just goin' a couple miles.

 

Cool that makes me feel a lot better I have not pulled 9-1/4 completely apart before all my previous vehicles had the ( I prefer design of the 8-3/4) Since I had family that raced dirt MOPARS we had dang 5 or 6 different (Pumpkins) all ready to be installed depending on gear ratios and it was so easy to do)
I am looking to replace the entire carrier as I do not have the ability at the moment or a 2nd vehicle to allow me time to rebuild that one. but now knowing I can drive it without feeling like entire axles will fall out iof I turn a corner it gives me abit more time . I have family about 2 hours away and property up in NE Washington (about 500 miles away) I plan to start traveling up there soon so I will be adding a ton of miles to the Durango each year ( I do about 2-3K miles a year at the moment.
Thanks again for all your help especially your replies

 

I wouldn't be drivin' it too far till ya get it fixed. Don't wanna be grindin' up internal parts and such, that gets expensive quick.