02 Dakota, 4.7, 5 spd. manual, 9.25 limited slip

Hello, I have read so much on this forum as well as others about the problems with the 9.25 limited slip rear end, I would like to get some advice.
I had rather get rid of the limited slip now instead of waiting to have a problem with it and be sitting on the side of the road or worse someday.

Would it be better to buy a new set of open gears along with all the bearings and seals and have someone put them in? Or buya used complete 9.25 rear end assembly with open gears? If I buy used, how would I know if all the bearings and seals were good?

AllI want is something reliable, that I don't have to worry taking it on a cross country trip. Never before on anyvehicle I've ever had, have you had to worry about the rear end.

There is no noise coming from the rear end now and never has been. I just don't want to wait for it to happen.
Last Jan. I had the front and back differential drained and filled with Mobil 1 synthetic, the rear also got it's friction modifier put in.

Any suggestions? Also cost is a major factor in this!

Thank you, Chrissy

 

I would say hold off. There are signs to look out for when a rear end is going to go. Driveability, road noise and feel are drasticly different when your rear is going. If you don't have any problems and are using proper maintanence, I would say keep the LSD.

 

um how about you just have it regularly checked instead of going through all that nonsense? it would cost a ****load of money. alot more than one tow truck bill if for some reason it did go out. I think one of the reasons they go out is because people change the rear end fluid and dont add that friction modifier that it needs.

 

+1 virused

 

Okay guys thanks for your reponses. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet.
If I could get some info for possible future swap I would appreciate it.
Whatrears will do a direct swap without having to modify anything?
Will a 8.25 rear bolt up without no mods? Willwe be able to use the samedriveshaft?
Will a 9.25 from say another year like 2005 +?

Any info would be very appreciated.
Thanks, Chrissy

 

Oh, by the way, love your 56 effie, virused!!

 

go all out and get the r/t rear end

 

I don't know what is different about the R/T rearend, but we won't be buying a new one from the dealer anyway, that's just crazy.

We will be looking for one from a junkyard. So if anybody just knows if an 8.25 would bolt right in, without modifying the perches or anything else, or if the driveshaft length and mounting is the same?

Or a 9.25 from a newer Dakota if it will be a direct swap?

Thanks again!

 

r/t rear end is a 9.25 lsd, but i believe a lot stronger for that matter, its a racing rear end, 8.25 should bolt up, may need a longer drive shaft, but the 9.25 was chosen for that truck for a reason, ya know? as long as you take care of that rear end, proper maintenance, regular service on it and no burnouts, i wouldnt worry about it unless you have a 150K miles IMO.