First I just want to say thanks to all, without this forum I most likely wouldn't have bought my new/used 1998 Dodge ram 5.2 Quad/longbed.

I finally tracked down my serious humming, coming from my rear end. Drained the pumpkin and scooped this out form the bottom (see pic). Refilled with appropriate oil, still humming. Could this be the reason why I have some serious humming? What is the fix? And how much? I'm novice when it comes to axles and axle parts. Junkyard parts? How can i tell which axle I have?

BTW.. HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

 

yea...um, i wouldn't be driving with that anymore. next thing you know your rear axle is going to lock up on you going down the road. if i were you, i would get a new set of gears or just get a whole new axle for a easy swap.

 

looks like a shim

 

do you have an Limited Slip diff ? looks like a normal broken clip.
humming is probably from when it got chewed up, and did a little damage.
drive it another 100,000 and don't worry about it.

 

If you want to get it fixed, you have a Chrysler 9.25 rear axle (and a Dana 44 front axle, just for future reference). All 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500s have those two axles.

 

That looks like pieces of one of your clutch packs from the limited slip. I can almost bet that it needs a complete rebuild. So if you are good with running an open diff then I wouldnt worry about it.

 

Thanks guys. I was talking to some buddies they too said if you don't mind the humming just keep driving.