Hello -

My Grandson has a 2001 Ram 1500, 3.2 V8 gas with 5-speed floor shift; 283K miles. We just put in a new fuel pump.

About 8-10 years ago the rear end was replaced with a used one. Now, as soon as I drove the truck, I immediately heard an loud gear-type rear end whine really noticeable when moving in 1st and 2nd gear - both accelerating and decelerating. Can't tell too much about higher speeds due to general vehicle noise.

At least I don't hear any grinding or clunking noises, going forward, anyway.
No noticeable jerking, etc.

There are two short metal tags on the diff cover bolts at the 5:00 (RR) & 7:00 (LR) positions: LR= 1141 and RR = 32. I did not see any other markings looking from the rear.

1. Do these numbers identify the type of rear end, or are they a date code?


We pulled the rubber plug & checked the fluid. It was a bit low (no leaks seen) but, Damn, it was nasty looking - frothy looking and bad dirty. He says that the fluid hasn't been changed that he knows of since this rear end was installed. Manual says shud be changed every 24 mos or so - that didn't happen.

So, we are going to drain the fluid and clean out the casing.
Questions:
2. What would be the likely cause of this noise?

3. What should I look for?

4. What would be the proper rear end grease to use?

5. Is it better to use a regular gasket or would RTV suffice?

6. Is there much chance that new fluid would quiet this thing down, or is the damage likely already done?

Any and all help here will be appreciated.

Thx

Fred (Skidman)

 

1. Don't know.... usually they should have more info than that.... (like, gear ratio, for instance.)

2. possible bearing going out, or, improperly installed/worn gears.

3. pull the cover, and see what you find in the fluid. If there is a lot of metal, be it flakes, shavings, or powder..... time to pull things apart, and see what's failing.

4. 80w90, for just regular use, or 75/w140 if you tow/haul heavy loads.

5. I just use RTV, lay a nice bead, let it skin over. (about 10 minutes or so.) install cover, and torque bolts. Let it set for an hour, fill with fluid.

6. There is always a chance, and its certainly worth a shot. A lot depends on what you find when you open it up.

 

Open or limited slip? If you are noticing a growl or wine coming from it it's most likely going to need some replacement parts. Could still use it(depending on how bad it is) if it's a worn bearing causing the noise but it's not going to get any better. Was there a metallic sheen in the dirty lube or metal fragments in it? Did you remove the the filler plug? I believe there may be a magnet on it to collect metal debris.

 

yes when replacing fluid look at the magnet for chunks of metal. i had the issue with mine ( i have a limited slip) and the clip holding the clutch pack in place fell out into the fluid and got ground up. very common on the limited slips in these trucks. so the carrier needed to be repaired or replaced. i chose to replace. if that is the case and there is an abundance of metal in the fluid change the bearings as well as they are bad now or will be very soon (the metal shavings get into the bearings pitting the rollers and sleeves) if its very bad you will need new bearings carrier or carrier rebuild and new ring and pinion.

 

Sounds like it's time for a rebuild my did the same thing drop the cover see what you find