ok, that is what the carrier looks like, but where are the clutch disks? i though it would be a pack in or on either side of the spider gears. if it is in fact LSD then it needs the friction modifier since i didn't use any when it got refilled.

the drive shaft is good now with new u joints. the noise happened out of the blue on the highway after 100 miles of driving, but the old u joints had been bad for who knows how long with plenty of driving being done before the 400 mile trip. it was just after 100 miles of driving on the highway that the noise started.

 

I read it was the other way around...plus I had the whine under decceration only and ordered the master bearing/install kit and had a shop changed them and rebuild my lsd....whine is gone now...they said the old pinion bearing looked good but loose?...

 

i'm reposting this picture of an open diff so its on the same page.

 

there is a difference in the earlier lsd unit vs the later units... huge price difference in rebuild kits too...

 

well now that has me second guessing. i don't remember if the passenger side of the carrier was boxy or rounded.
would it hurt an open diff to add friction modifier? i know that stuff is pretty thin because my camaro takes it. so it would be 8oz. less gear oil substituted with some thin friction modifier.

 

no. it would not.
look on your rear axle tube, passenger side, for a mopar paper sticker. mine says "3.55 open"

 

good pictures of an LSD.
edit the url
http://w w w . d o d g e t a l k.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3338310

 

thanks for the info/link.
the fluid is going to be changed again soon, i'll tell her to put the friction modifier in just in case it is LSD and see what happens.
since the truck is back in Tennessee, i won't be able to help fix it, i'll just be tech support once i get as much info as i can.

there isn't a sticker on the axle. and i found the sticker that is supposed to be on the inside of the hood inside the glove box. it said "rear axle - chrysler 9." or something like that, so it wasn't very helpful.

 

I own a 2001 Ram and have this exact same noise. My mechanic said it is the pinion bearing. He disconnected the drive shaft and turned by hand to verify. His suggestion was to get a rebuilt rear end versus having them rebuild. Said it would be cheaper, easier and less time. I have been using this mechanic for some time and trust his judgement. I just want to make sure for my own piece of mind that the right thing is being done. Any advice/input would be appreciated.

 

my sister talked to a couple shops (ha! umm... no) and the dealership. the dealer wants 600$ for new pinion/carrier/wheel bearings and new seals and that comes with a 1 year warranty. i'm trying to talk her into getting 4.10 gears since she'll already be that deep into it anyway.

roadkill, a rebuilt rear end should cost more than having someone rebuild yours. you'll be paying for the entire rear end as opposed to just getting new bearings and seals in yours.
see what your guy will charge then compare that to what the dodge dealership will charge for a rebuild.