ive got an 97 dodge ram w 318 auto 2x4 .. im not really sure what rear end i have.. but only 1 tire kicks ... i get no traction.. now i know that its prob suposed to be a limited slip but is there anyway .(short of buyinng a new rear end) that i can make both tires spin

 

Do a search here oon the forum about obtaining the build sheet for your truck. Others have posted the site where you can go with your VIN. The build sheet will tell you exactly what you have for gears and differential.

My guess is that you are running a regular differential with 3:55 gears. The only way to get power to both wheels to do what you want will be to replace the differential with a limited slip or posi unit. if you do that bump your gear ratio up to 4:10 and you'll really notice a difference off the line. Your gas mileage will suffer a little, both from a slightly higher engine RPM and a heavier foot playng with the extra torque but it will be worth it.

Lots of guys on this site can give you much better info on differentials than I can. When it comes to them I'm a novice and still learning myself.

 

3B7HC13Y6VG700058

 

any idea on the parts that i need to buy.. and i cant find that sight that gives specific information about my truck, just the ususal... make model year engine price... ya know... i would like to buy pretty soon and would be doing the work myself..

 

ok now thanks to hemiyellow who totaly rocks.. btw... ive figured out what i have.. now whats the cheapest course to get to dual kickers with 4:10s thanks



3.55 Axle Ratio Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle

 

bump

 

Install 4.10's and an Auburn limited slip. I have that combo, and it is great. It will run you about $150 for gears, $350 for the Auburn, and about $200-300 for the install of both. I would not recommend doing the work yourself as it requires special tools and a decent amount of expertise.

 

Is there any disadvantage to limited slip?
More drag and less gas mileage?
More likely tospin out turning a corner in rain or snow?

 

I have a Detriot Trutrac and it's great! I have found that your traction on corners and in the rain matters far more on what tires you're running than whether its LSD or open diff.

When my corporate Trac Lok took a crap, I spun out way more than I do now with the Trutrac or when the Trac Lok was functioning properly.

 

I used a place called Drive Train Specialists they are close to Detroit. They have a web site www.drivetrainspecialts.com I used them for the front diff. on one of my Grand Cherokee's. Give then a call and they sill send you everything you need to swap it out. They say to do about 8-10 figure eights after putting one in or after changing the fluid in a limited slip, and put an additive in it or it will F'm up. The figure eights pumps the fluid thru all of the passages in the limited slip.

Remember to measure your old shims on the carrier bearings as a reference to shiming the new unit. Back lash is 1 to 10 thousands I think.