Hi all - new to the forum and could use some information to help me with my daughter's Dakota. I'm not mechanically incompetent but honestly don't know much about differential rebuilds.

Background: Last fall I bought my daughter a 2003 Quad Cab Dakota SLT. I did my research before buying it and was aware of the differential problems these trucks have. I decided to move forward and take my chances as the deal we were getting on the truck was worth the risk. Now 7 months later I'm looking at a rebuild.

The truck is 2WD, has 80K miles on it, a LSD, and I'm told it's the large one (9.25?). The rear end started making noises during turns so I took it to a transmission & rear end shop. They took the cover off and how came some pieces. They are planning to tear it apart Monday and work up a parts list to give me a quote. It seems like a good shop but since I'm not up on differential rebuilds I'd like to know parts I should expect to see listed for a complete rebuild.

I've done some research and believe that I should expect to see:

• a limited slip differential assembly (I'm reading Auburn is a good choice)
• ring and pinion gear kit
• master overhaul kit

Is this right for a complete rebuild? Even if it is I'm not exactly sure what should be in some of these kits.

The shop gave me a worst case scenario of $1.5k to $2k. Based on my research that seems a little high but I need a better understanding of the parts needed to see if I'm missing anything in my list. Feel free to give me a full shopping list with brand names if you'd like. I'll price it out and use it in my negotiations with the shop.

Mike

 

Seems like that is a bit much..i could be wrong, i got a corporate 9.25 trak-lok for 350 installed it myself, but you came to right the right place these guys are very knowledgeable, the job itself isn't really that hard to do, you can get detailed instructions from a haynes manual available at advance or auto zone..do your homework..i recently had my entire front axle rebuilt, it was shot, for $750 parts and labor..and the info you got that sounds like a complete rebuild

 

You might not want put an LSD back in. I have ridden with a lot of girls with rear wheel drive cars with open differentials in the rain. They don't get the idea of partial throttle, so only one wheel spins and loses traction, while the other wheel keeps the car going in the right direction. An LSD makes the rear kick out
when too much throttle is used on wet roads. Just food for thought.

 

he has a valid point, the trak lok i have is great on wet pavement snow and ice or mud never gotten stuck, and its hard to spin tires,,both tires have power to them except when turning corners..I like it

 

that price is WAY TO much. last summer i got a lsd, and 4.1 gear cost $1,600. i dont like auburn, cause it cant be rebuilt. i am going to guess that my brand is motive gear. tool a round for pricing.

 

The price is way high.

I had mine rebuilt, by the dealer last July, for $540.

Likely all you've done is popped the clutch pack retaining clips. Not a major issue if they don't go through the gears. They've changed the design since.

About the Auburn, Moe is right. It can't be rebuilt.

 

i finaly found the text i did about my gear- LSD, some part numbers. its not short. but i dont fell free to post it, cause of its length, its not to short. if a few of you want to read it i will be glad to post it.

 

Please post away. I'm looking for anything and everything that can help me with this.

Thanks to everyone for their input so far. I'm hoping to put together a full list of parts and prices that I can take in when I talk with the shop next. They called me today but I've not been able to call back.

 

(here is the best i can remember) i just had my V-6 2001 dak changed from 3.55 to a 4.10. my friends here told me i DONT want 4.56s. iam very happy with my 4.10. my MPG went from 9 to 13, in town ONLY. cause the trans shifts it overdrive at 35 mph, that gives it the 13 mpg. i do not think you will like 4.56, unless its a street racer.*motive*gear*4.10 gears C8.25-4.10, dana/spicer locker 84852, install kit DRK303B, 75W90 synthetic*gear*lube VV975. my shop would NOT give the swap any warranty.
a latter edit this post is for a 8 1/4 rearend__________________

 

welcome to the forum