2004 QC 4x4, 3.7l with a 5 spd and a 3.55 geared 8.25" rear axle that must be rebuilt due to horrid pinion bearing grindage. I'm all but absolutely certain I'll need a new ring and pinion, to go along with a master bearing kit, as well as rear sway bar bushings, links, and a couple U-joints. Will I need new U-bolts for the axle? Are there any specific things I need to look for, or look out for?

 

Easier just to find a good junkyard unit. Rear diff rebuild can get very complicated if you want it done right. I looked up the process a while back and quickly came to that conclusion .

 

Yeah, considering you can replace the entire axle with a good used unit, for about a third the cost of rebuilding......

 

Getting a used unit was my first choice, but sadly, I'm an apartment dweller and I have no garage or driveway in which to do the work. And that's if I'm able to locate an 8.25 LSD that's relatively close, because the cost of shipping has become ridiculous.
The rebuild would be "professionally" done as I haven't the experience to take on such a project.

 

I hear you. I used to have the same situation when I lived in NYC. Still, it's a truck. If you found one in a junkyard, you could wrap it with a tarp and throw it in the bed, till you're ready to install it. Then just drive it somewhere where you can do the work, or have it professionally installed. Save some $$$.

 

Believe me, I want nothing more than to save some $$$. Unfortunately, the "filters" I'm running into make it less about saving $$$ and more about ensuring I can get the proper replacement part. Having a 2004 is the first filter, only the 03 and 04 are 100% compatible and the 8.25 LSD further dwindles my choices. My 04 has 177k and I'm trying to find a replacement axle around 100k. And due to inflation and shipping fees, I would rather spend the monies to have mine rebuilt than pay a total of $750.00 for an axle with 195k shipped to me, which may or may not work properly due to Dodges issues with rear axles.

 

I feel you, brother. I've got an 03' with the 9.25 and rear disc brakes. With 330K, It's a tad bit noisier than it used to be under acceleration. I'm now keeping one eye out... I've seen a few in the u-pull-its near me, but the issue is not warranting a replacement yet. I do have good access to junkyards down here though. I'd like to find something low mileage too, but hard to tell miles when it's sitting in the JY. Sometimes googling the VIN will find the vehicle on some previous auction or car part sites, with mileage posted.

Being an 04', does yours have rear discs?

 

Yeop, it has 4 wheel disc's and rear ABS.

 

Update: Picked up a replacement rear end yesterday. It's a year older and has a few more miles, but there's no bearing noise, no gear noise, it functions as intended. It's an LSD, and it was only $210 (+1.5 hrs.), which makes a Detroit TrueTrac a far more feasible option for my budget. Putting an 03 with 180k on my 04 with 177k. Isn't that the definition of counterproductive? Lol.

 

That's definitely money and purpose ahead. As you said, those 2 years were hard to find compatible parts for, and are highly saught after as upgrades.