Howdy, I've got a '97 4x4 318 and I've got a few questions.

But first heres the history of my truck. I bought it with 97k miles on it, in full working condition, and stock. Only performance mod I've done would be the exhaust, and its a Magnaflow system with 3" duals. At about 98k had to replace the cap, rotor, wires, yada yada. At 102k I had the cat clog, and about 5 miles later (Yes 5 miles), right wheel bearing went out. Now has 103.5k on it.

First off, I've got a 3" body lift and I'm wondering if I'll be able to fit 35's under there w/out any problems. I've heard that you can, and I've heard that 33's are the biggest you can go.

Onto other things, I have a small oil leak from what looks like is coming from either my oil pan, or the cam shaft. Is this a common problem? I only noticed after driving for about 3 hours on the highway. Its very slow too, I actually noticed it on accident.

Also, I have the limited slip 9.25 Crysler Rear End. But I think the clutch packs for the limited slip are shot. One tire seems to get full power and the other barely gets any, like it wants to spin but hardly does. When the rear ends off the ground and you spin the tires they go in opposite directions. Aren;t they suppose to spin the same way with lim slip?

So, if I have to replace the diff should I get a diffrent ratio if I'll be pushing 35's? (or 33's)?

I think thats it for now, any input would be awesome.

 

ok, with a 3 body lift. you might clear 15s on a stock rim. if your running 35's, you want at least 4.56 gears. as for the oil leak. it might me the plenum gasket, but im not sure. ( I never needed to replace mine. here a good write up someone one here did. https://dodgeforum.com/m_249261/tm.htm

 

33s will clear...I'm pretty sure 35s will not, unless you get a suspension lift or go with a 15" rim.

I'd stick with the stock gear ratio (with 33s), and just get your trac-lok rear-end rebuilt. If you switch ratios in the rear, you have to switch them in the front as well

 

I don't think you will clear 35"s you may be able to on stock wheels but they will most likely rub I would guess pretty badly. I have a 3" suspension lift on mine and 33"s and they rub when at full lock and hit a slight bump. It is partially my rims I'm sure but still I don't think 35"s will fit without more lift or major rubbing.

 

Well it looks like I'll be getting 33's when that time comes. As for the diff, know anywhere I can get an aftermarket one? I went to the local truck diff specialists and its $245 (if I remember right) for a new Chrysler one.

As for the pelnum gasket, I was checking the TSB and found that it said that no external oil leak will be present. Any other ideas?

 

And since no one answered you axel question...yes when both are off the ground when you spin one wheel both should spin in the same direction BUT ONLY in a POSI Trac..Otherwise..If you have a limited slip you cant tell because the clutch has not engaged unless you spin it really hard....Good luck with that....Just get on some gravel or dirt and jump on the gas got about 5 feet. stop and look at your tire marks....One wheel should have a slightly about 5 inch longer spin mark from the begining. This 5 inch or so is when the clutch is being engaged in a limited slip rear end.