I have a 2000 dodge ram 1500 and my rear went out... FOund out it was just the front bearing, but running into major issues removing the differential. I need a differential bearing preload wrench, and then I still need to take it to a shop to have the bearings pressed onto the pinion... ect, so now Im thinking just replace the whole rear end! Found one at a pull a-part kind of place and now wondering how much trouble Im gonna run into trying to do this route. Im lost and looking for any advise from anyone who has been where I am.

 

replacing pinion bearings and gears requires more tools and know how than most people have, including me.

replacing the entire axle housing is easy. remove drive shaft, brake lines, speed sensor wire, springs at either the shackles or the perches your choice. bolt in the new one. check your brakes, your done.

if your truck has the driver side spring sag, get the springs with the new assy, and put the new passenger side on your driver side, and keep your old passenger side where its at.

some people will say to use new u-bolts, but i've reused the old ones before.

if you have a 4wd make SURE the rear end gear ratio you install is the same as your front or something really bad will happen.

 

My rear wheels are locking up, limited slip is shot I guess. I have 2001 1500 quad cab 4x4, 5.9. Are all 2001 gear ratios the same? No tag on my rear.

 

Get the build sheet for your truck from Chrysler customer service. There is a thread in the faq section on how to get it. That will tell you your gear ratio.

 

Might be on a sticker in the glove box too.

 

99.9% of them are 3.55
there was originally a paper sticker on the rear axle tube, drivers side. should say something like 3.55 open or 3.55 lsd. mines still there and readable.

you might try a rear end oil change, and an inspection of what's going on. don't forget the limited slip additive.

 

99.9 yup but if its the off road it's 4.10 like mine was.

You can make the preload wrench if your handy. I have done a R&R on the rear end and front end to replace the gears and diffs in my driveway, it takes a whole weekend to get it all done right.

 

If your rear end is locking up it might be the rear brake pads. Mine were old and bits had broken off the pads and were wedging causing it to lock-up. It's an easy check - pull the wheels and brake drums and inspect.

 

im that 0.01% that came with 3.92s from the factory. and man its suck that you blew out your pink sock, i mean ur rear end. if ur wantin to just do it urself and not pay a shop then just swap the axle, would be easier.

 

ok redo figures. 99.8 have 3:55 1.5% have 4:10 and .5% have 3:92 check the brakes on that new rear end. might be a good idear to replace some brake parts if they are bad, before you put it in. or after, just while the wheels are off makes sence to me.