I'm looking to replace the rearend to my 98 Ram 1500 2wd 5.2l & needing some advise..
I tried to replace rear bearings but in doing so I broke (not sure what it's called) the bolt in the diff that hold together the rear axles..Tried to tap out but w/no success..Even tried to bang the crap out of it and still no success..
My brother told me it might be easier just to replace the whole rearend..So I got on the internet & located a few trucks at the local junkyard..There were some 95s, 96s, 97s & one 98 for less than $80..I have not seen them personally, so I don't know the condition of them are..
My questions are: Will any of those rearends (other than the 98) fit my truck? How do if figure out what gear size I have? What issues will I encounter when pulling off the rearend off the junk truck?

Thanks for your time!

 

Biggest issue is going to be rusted bolts. Have a hot wrench handy, and you can have it off in a few short minutes. (junk truck, if the yard won't take it off for you.)

Should be a tag on the diff that states gear ratio. If not, generally enscribed into the ring gear as well. (might just give you the number of teeth, and you get to do the math.....)

As for fitment..... that is a REALLY good question, you would think, that any of them would bolt right in, but, its a dodge, so that though is highly suspect..... the 98 won't be a problem.... I would hope......

Did you break the little bolt that holds the differential cross pin in?

 

Yeah, thats the pin..I'm not too sure if I did it or the previous owner did, because it came off fairly easy..

 

It looks fairly simple taking it off looking at my truck..The issue I think I might have is removing the emergency brake cable off the junk truck..Would it be wise to cut the cable?

 

Cut cable way ahead of the bracket where the two sides come together. Make sure where you cut it you can use a factory clip to connect it to your trucks original cable. All cab/bed combos use the same rear join point with extensions to make up the length. You may understand better when you look at you truck.

The mounting points should be the same on all 2nd gen 9.25's but make sure the sensor on the top of the pumpkin is the same. Since you have a 2wd gear ratio is not as important as nothing will break with a different than stock ratio. Most of them will be 3.55 which is probably what you have.

I have a 96 axle in my 94 1500 and it bolted right in.

 

Can the factory clips be purchased at a local autoparts (Autozone/Advanced Auto) or is it a dealer part?

 

remember...if you get an lsd read end, replace fluid WITH the additive, or you'll eat through the rear end again...


I did the rear axle assembly in a 03 dakota....(i put a 9.25 with 3.92 gears in it) did it by myself, on the ground, no lifts only jacks, and no power tools, just my 3/4 in breaker bar....did it in about 4 hours total....pretty easy

get the rear end from http://car-part.com which is a great site to find any used parts...get a 3.92 rear, since you dont have to worry about changing the front since its 2wd