Got a Ram 1500 with a V8, 2000 model. Started to have an awful noise coming from rear diff and running like the hand brake was on.

After some searching found that were the drive shaft attaches to the rear diff is all loose and sloopy. It is not the uni joints but the actual yoke that goes into the diff is loose inside the diff itself.

Any ideas on how to fix?? Is it easier and safer to put in a complete second hand diff or can I buy some parts and rebuild?????

 

Pinion bearings are shot, needs a rebuild. If you don't have the right tools (or experience) to do it yourself, take it to a shop.

 

Is it a hard job? What special tooling??? I am an aircraft mechanic by trade, lucky for me aircraft don't have diffs!!!
But I have knowledge of maintenance and have rebuilt some diffs on some early model (1950 and 1940) European cars.
I have a lot of good tooling also, is there anything in particular you need???? Does the diff need to be dropped???
Thanks for your info.

 

You will need a pinion depth gauge, dial indicator(wich you probably have) and the know how of each step to set the pinion angle and depth correctly. If you have the tools, you can find a book or thread that will explain the whole procedure to you. But, it would probably be a good idea to have an experienced person walk you through it. It's not something you want to "wing". Diffs can be very touchy and very expensive if done wrong.

 

the yukon master install kit does have a direction phamphlet to walk you through it but I wouldnt call it step by step...

 

I would like to do it myself, I am used to doing jobs that require very accurate and precise measurements and operation from cryptically written manuals!!!
Any suggestion on which book or were the best spot for parts would be????

 

well I got a hell of a deal on ebay for mine from...from a drivetrain store...

 

http://www.richmondgear.com/ringandpinion.pdf
This is what I used when I put 4:11's in my '01. I had some experience before, I just needed the specs. It still made some noise when I was done that made me nervous. I ended up trading the truck around 5-6mo. later.