My friend has a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 pick-up with a Dana 60 full floating rear it makes a clunking noise only when making turns going forward and backwards it doesn't make any kind of noise in the rear going straight,i've been told by different sources that the clutch packs in the differential are sticking.Has anyone heard of or experienced this issue before?

 

Pull the cover and check for anything that shouldn't be.

Also, take a good look at the U Joints.

 

I have the factory limited slip in the rear and mine made this noise before I changed the diff fluid.

 

Yhe U joints are good,we changed the fluid about four days ago and it still makes the noise.What we did was pull the cover off and he moved the truck slowly and the spider gears jump consistently with the noise,so we pulled the differential carrier out,took the clutch packs out and they don't look bad.So I was wondering if they were slipping or getting stuck together?

 

Any teeth have abnormal wear or broke? The only thing i can think of is bearings....and possibly the lash is off?

 

The bearings,backlash and teeth checked out good.It's good now,we cleaned the clutch plates with brake cleaner (I got a better look and they appeared to be glazed) and scuffed the clutch disks and plates with 80 grit sandpaper and put it back together.I added the Mopar additive and synthetic gear oil and so far so good.If issue comes up again we'll replace the clutches.Thanks for everyone's help!

 

Our 2500 did this, changed the fluid and we were informed ( I can't remember by who ) that we needed to add a mopar friction modifier to the rear end fluid since it is a limited slip. Went to NAPA, told the counter guy I needed some mopar limited slip friction modifier, No prob, came in a small tube, added to rear end oil and the clanking knocking when turning stopped after a short time of driving.
We change the rear end fluid every 20,000, tow a fifth wheel travel trailer, and since that first time change, have always put in the modifier. Have put 60,000 since the first knocking / clanging and it hasn't returned. Hope this helps!

 

My Ram 1500 Rear Wheel Drive only - not a club cab either - has been making a growling noise in the rear end area for some time now - it only happens when I am on the freeway for more than 10 minutes or more doing highway speed - it sounds like it's coming from the right rear - but I am not sure - thinking it might be a bearing or axle problem - I am not a mechanic so I have been delaying this as long as possible (I know I have probably done more damage to whatever is wrong) but I have been unemployed for almost 4 years now (it is a 99 Ram 1500 with the 318 engine (don't know the CID displacement) any help would be appreciated.

 

It could be your universals,wheel bearing,or something loose in the brake system on your right wheel,pull the drum off and look for anything wet.

 

Thanks - Will try that this weekend