is my rear blown?
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Joined: Mar 2011
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is my rear blown?
Hi, I have a 98 1500 4x4 that is new to me. It has 355 gearing. If I jack the rear of the truck up and turn the left wheel in either direction the pass side wheel will turn in the opposite direction. If I turn the pass. side backwards the left side turns forward. But if I turn the pass. side forward the drivers side does not move. I can spin either wheel in either direction with the opposite one on the ground. The truck has terrible traction in 2wd.
If it is blown can I just bolt in a complete center carrier from a junkyard?
I've also learned about the plenum problems from reading this board. That's next on my list. Can't you just use high temp silicone [500 degree] and shorter bolts or washers?
Thanks for any advice!
Paul
If it is blown can I just bolt in a complete center carrier from a junkyard?
I've also learned about the plenum problems from reading this board. That's next on my list. Can't you just use high temp silicone [500 degree] and shorter bolts or washers?
Thanks for any advice!
Paul
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 306
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From: Alabama
So many comments could come from that title. 
Do you have a LSD, Limited Slip Differential, in the rear of your truck? If you do there SHOULD and emphasis on Should be a tag on the rear diff cover that tells you that. If not you are probably just discovering the wonders of the open differential where the two axles are more or less independent from one another. If your rear end is blown it will tell you very LOUDLY!!!!!
On the plenum. If you are going to tear your motor down that far do it right the first time. It's a ton of work to do to only have to do it again later.
Do you have a LSD, Limited Slip Differential, in the rear of your truck? If you do there SHOULD and emphasis on Should be a tag on the rear diff cover that tells you that. If not you are probably just discovering the wonders of the open differential where the two axles are more or less independent from one another. If your rear end is blown it will tell you very LOUDLY!!!!!
On the plenum. If you are going to tear your motor down that far do it right the first time. It's a ton of work to do to only have to do it again later.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
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From: Gainesville, Ga.
your rear end sounds like a normal "open" differential. the spider gears allow the wheels to turn semi-independently of each other, and yes, traction can suck whenever one wheel begins to spin. the key to 2wd traction is mud grip tires and weight in the back.
if you want to see it in action, remove the diff cover and drain the oil, then repeat your tests and watch the magical mystery of how spider gears work. they were invented by a true genius. changing the diff oil every year or so is a good maintenance item.
don't repair the plenum with the factory steel plate. use an aluminum plate so you have like metals. there's a guy on here that recently started making them at a very reasonable cost. you can find him with a search.
if you want super traction in 2wd, install a powertrax noslip. or just shift to 4wd, or just get better tires. tires are everything...
if you want to see it in action, remove the diff cover and drain the oil, then repeat your tests and watch the magical mystery of how spider gears work. they were invented by a true genius. changing the diff oil every year or so is a good maintenance item.
don't repair the plenum with the factory steel plate. use an aluminum plate so you have like metals. there's a guy on here that recently started making them at a very reasonable cost. you can find him with a search.
if you want super traction in 2wd, install a powertrax noslip. or just shift to 4wd, or just get better tires. tires are everything...
