I bought my Ram in December with 108k miles, I have put less than 4k miles on it. It had a light noise in the differential (kind of a whine/scraping noise) that got louder the faster I travel (but the truck is absolutely pristine-that's why I went ahead and bought it). I was hoping it was the brakes, so I put it up on jack stands and sure enough, it's the rear diff. I was told by a mechanic friendthat the Dana 60 on my Dodge is a hunk of !@*# and there was been an active service bulletin on them ever since the 94 came out (this guy is an old time Dodge guy, too) for this very issue. I put my telescoping magnet down to the bottom of the diff and didn't get any metal. My mechanic tells me it would be a waste of time and money to put new oil in it, due to he has tried this at least 15-20 times over the years and they go out within a few thousand miles anyway. Any truth to this? Has anyone had success with a light noise from the diff get better changing the oil, or is this terminal?

 

Not sure about what was changed on 94+ but in general the Dana 60 is a very strong and reliable axle. Your mechanic may be right but changing the fluid is an inexpensive fix...than say replacing the axle. I would definitely change the fluid and then go from there.

 

I'm the original owner of a 97 1500 in prestine condition as well. Atabout 70,000 miles, my truck would make a "binding" sound when starting off from dead stops after plenty of highway driving. Ireplaced the diff lube and added the additive (anti-spin rear end), both were mopar brand. All was good for about 20,000 miles when the same noise came back. That was about the same time Ireplaced all fluids with Amsoil. Itold my local Amsoil rep about the noise and he recommended a synthetic diff lube 75W-90. Amsoil also makes an additive but he suggested to try just the oil alone and if the noise persisted, only then add the additive. Well that was at about 90,000 miles and now I have 160,000 and the diff is quiet as new. I never needed to buy the additive.In extreme cold weather I notice the truck rolls easier as well. I can get you the Amsoil product code if you like. And no, I'm not an Amsoildealer by any means, not even close. lol.

 

Please do give me the info. The noise is pronounced, but not screaming. Can't hurt.

 

Its Amsoil Series 2000 100%Synthetic 75W-90 Gear Lube. Product code is TGR-QT if buying it by the quart. It's actually blue in color. I'm not sure if auto parts stores in the USA carry it (I'm in Canada), but some dealers advertise under "lubricants and oils" in the yellow pages, or you could locate one from Amsoil's website. Sure hope this quiet's your diff. Let us know. Good luck.

 

Dana 60 is a decent axle. I don't remember any bulletins about problems with 3/4 tons. Now the Dana 44 with the aluminum center section is a whole 'nother story and I'm an olddodge tech too.