I've been trying to track down the cause to this reverberating, humming that seems to be coming from the under the cabin. It happens while under load, lessens or stops when coasting. It Begins to happen around 25 mph, regardless of gear. I've had the tranny inspected, checked wheel bearings, and differential. It all looks good except for this odd thing (second picture) I found sticking out of a hole, on the knuckle that houses the smaller spider gears, in the differential. I took off the bearing cap to get a better view and because it protruded into the bearing cap. I found this channel had been made for/ or by this odd piece. I can't tell if there is something wrong here, can someone please help? And can you tell me if I do have the 9.25 rear? I took a picture of the piece next to the bearing cap with scribed channel. And, I took a close up pic of the odd piece.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mgpicj1j6h...%2039%20PM.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ush0cofw8j...%2012%20PM.jpg

 

That indeed does not look like it's where it should be. lol





If your vehicle is a 2000 1500, then yes stock rear axle is Chrysler 9.25.

Look for the factory service manual and parts manual up in the FAQ forum section here:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...d-how-tos-143/

You can download a PDF file of each to check out. I know there are others here with hands on 9.25 experience to chime in.

 

That's something that doesn't belong there, you'll have to pull the diff. and disassemble.

 

That is your lsd clutch disc retainer clip. Time to pull the carrier out and do an inspection on it. Keep driving it and it will only cost you more money. The clips can be bought and so can the clutch disks about a hun in parts, or just go buy a rebuilt one for $200.

These are what they look like out of the carrier.

 

Thanks a lot, again.

 

So I was just looking at your pix again, that retainer has grooved the housing as well as the bearing cap, I did not see the housing when I first looked. I would be replacing the whole rear end.

 

I don't think it has affected the actual business end of the bearing on that side, is it ugly looking, yes. Fix it, but unless it grenades the rear end or you have larger than stock tires, clean, replace the parts, reassemble and run it. You're not gonna hurt it any worse than it is now anyways so why not?

 

Why put new parts in a f'ed up diff and wait for it to grenade. The bearing cap is junk and the housing is not much better. Odds are that a new bearing will not sit in there right. The op can most likely find a good used rear diff for the price of parts and labour to fix the old one.

 

Wanted 2 update u on what has transpired and put an ending to this thread, hopefully for good. So, as soon as I heard some advice to remove the carrier I ordered a spanner tool, kind of setting a course of action for me. So I did some research and found a shop willing to rebuild mine for 180$ (with out him knowing about the bearing cap or housing) or, get nused one for 225$. I did some more reading on the interweb and found out that some are of the strong opinion that these trac locs don't need these retainer clips. So being a gambling man, I removed the two loose clips, cleaned, buttoned and fed royal P 75/90.

Test drive started with this bouncing feeling, like the engagement was off slightly, but improved in the end. Now the ride feels solid and there is no humming...

Thanks for all the info DFers. I hope again, this is a happy end to this thread and will update u if things change.

 

You have the friction modifier in your rear? Clutches need that to operate properly.