Hey guys! I've got a question...

I was just doing some routine maintenance on my Dakota. It's got 117,000 miles on it and I've been neglecting the scheduled maintenance on the Diff a bit, so I decided to change the fluid last weekend. I've been pretty good about that, typically but I've been somewhat busy lately. I always use "Mobile 1" syntheticand I always add the Limited Slip special lubricant. This time, though, when I went to wipe off the magnet in the bottom of the diff, there were some pretty large chunks of metal. One chunk in particular is about the size of a guitar pick, roughly. The other pieces are a bit smaller but still large enough to raise a concern.

I'm sure it's a longshot to try to determine what that material might be but if anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears.

The axle itself still seems to be working fine. There is a slight whinning that I was almost positive was the transmission, that had developed a leak after the shifter came loose and ran the fluid low but otherwise, the diff is working okay. I've been told that this is somewhat of a failing common to Dakotas but I haven't really had the chance to talk with any other owners that have had similar problems.

I guess I'm just going to drive the truck until the diff gives out. Then I'll just limp to the shop on the 4x4 axle.

If I do have to replace it though, is there an upgraded 3rd member that I might consider instead of just using OEM replacement stuff? Perhaps something a little more sturdy?

 

There are alot of things it would be. You should take it to a good shop to find the problem and fix it.

 

Its going to be more money if you drive it till it breaks. You might even run the risk of needing a new housing if you wait. I would find the problem now before it gets worse. If there is a whine might be a bearing. Any vibration? Pinion have any play?

 

ever rotate ur tires, ya drive in 2wd all year never rotate, the fronts will be a different size than the rear, also ever drive on dry or not 100% slippery material when in 4x4?

 

Rotating the tires you are moving the fronts to the back so they will be equal

 

if you drive it till it breaks, you could do alot more damage. just take it to a shop and let them look at it.

 

not if ya don't rotate them, ur rears wear quicker so they are smaller so turn faster..., can tear up a differential, ive seen it done

 

i just had this same problem. what it is is the limited slip clutch that disentigrated inside your differential housing. i got my truck out of the shop two days ago from the same problem. i also had some problems with a bearing being cloged so that might be what the whining is all about.

 

if you dont mind my asking how much did it cost you to get that done and did you get a whole new lsd unit or just a rebuild? what did you go with if you got a new lsd stock or aftermarket. i'm thinking of upgrading to an auburn sometime thats why im asking

 

yes, drive tires wear faster but rotating tires you move front to back, puting the fronts on the back dont tear anything up its if you take a single front and putit on the back then you tear it up. Thats not how you rotate tires they are done criss-cross

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