I noticed a grind type noise the other day in my 1998 ram. Checked it out visualy and found the pinion seal leaking. Brought it to the dealer and it all went down hill. They tell me the shims broke and I need to replace the whole carrier fear assembly. They also tell me chrysler is a 3month back order but they have a local place they can get it. Oh and the total cost if your rear brakes are good is about 1950.00. Any thoughts guys? Its a high mileage truck with a good body. I cant afford to buy a newer one.

 

For that kind of money, I would just find a replacement rear end in the junkyard, and swap out the whole thing. Can probably get it done for under 500.

 

I did one on a friends dakota...had the same 9.25 axle as rams.....we got a new rear end assembly for $350 and i pulled the old one and put the new one in on the ground with jackstands and no power tools in about 4 hours....really simple...just heavy


Check http://car-part.com

Youll find a rear end cheap in your area

 

If I were to do it all over again I would just swap the whole rear end as well! I am in the process of rebuilding my differential with all new bearings and it has been over 6 hrs and $160 so far. I wasn't able to pull the bearings myself so it is at a machine shop right now having the old ones pulled and new ones pressed on. That is probably going to cost me another $100, then at least another 3-4 hrs to finish the job.

Leave differential work to the professionals who have all the fancy special tools!!!!!!!!!!! Swapping the whole assembly would be much easier.

Zac

 

junk yard rear end swap be about your best bet...good excuse to upgrade as well..if you have a ram 2500 you can throw a D80 under there and have a rear end your truck couldn't dream of messing up...or you can step up to a D70 which will hold up to anything the gas engines can throw at them.

 

i'd get a second opinion.
dealers have been know to lie.

put it up on jack stands and slowly rotate wheels and drive shaft.
any noise, grinding, roughness, or catchy feeling?

if so, consider pulling the cover and doing a visual inspection for anything odd.
take it from there.
if you do decide on a major repair, as said, get an entire rear end housing from the junkyard and swap it out.

match rear end drive shaft/pinion yoke. some are round, some are u-shaped. you cannot change this unless you get the drive shaft to go with it.
match spring width, 2-1/2 for 1500, 3" for 2500.
match gear ratio if 4wd. most are 3.55
match top of pumpkin ABS sensor or not.
check overall width.

 

My knowledgable pal pulled the cover and validated the situation. Currently looking for a donor truck/axle. Perhaps upgrade too. My truck is a 1500 ram 1998.