The rear axle assembly on our dodge went out. Now its a 2000 Ram 1500 four wheel drive with a gear ratio of 355.

I am headed down to a U Pull type junk yard sometime soon to get the part (which they have listed at about $125 which seems like a fair price). My question is, does the rear axle assembly need to come off of the same year, or same generation of truck (assuming gear ratios are the same).

Also, are there any tell tail signs that the rear axle assembly is NOT worth taking, wearing in certain areas etc etc.

Thanks.

 

i think?? you will need about a 98-01 model with the speed sensor in the top of the rear diff.

AND BE SURE and check your rear pinion flange. i know the 00-01 had the circular bolt up flange, and you must have that for your drive shaft to fit. i'm not sure about 98-99. older years used the u-joint straps. you can change to the ujoint strap IF you get the drive shaft and IF its the same length.

and since its 4wd, unless you change the front also, you must get a 3.55 gear. the 3.55 is very common, and others are not, but there were some 3.92's in the towing package, and there might?? have been some 3.25 in some of the 5 speeds. so check carefully.

you'll need to make sure its a 1500 (chrysler 9.25), and not a 2500 (which is dana 60+), as the 2500 springs are wider.

get all your measurements and detailed pictures of your original take a tape measure and double check everything. you MIGHT also be able to use a durango, dakota, or ram van if its the chrysler 9.25