Well, my 05 Dakota just seems to be a never ending project, after noticing the random harsh jumping the truck does when shifting from park, reverse or park & drive, seeing the extra play my drive shaft has when the harsh jumping happens, it appears now my rear end could be on its last legs, pulled the diff cover, found missing teeth on the ring gear, couldn't fully see the pinion to see what damage it has...

So curious what my options are. I would like to just get a good used rear end and I'm curious if I'm stuck with getting a rear end from another 05+ 4x4 or if there's alternatives? Been googling and searching but not finding much on these gens, more the gen2 getting the 9.25 upgrade...

 

the dakota 05-07 either came with the 3.55 or the 3.92, the later being a tow package.

 

I should mention that the truck has a LSD currently, after doing some reading sounds like the LSD have clutch clip failures that can cause quite a bit of damage. So here's the true question, do I get another LSD rear end? Or do I go with a open rear end? Anyone have a 4x4 with a open rear end care to comment? Is the LSD worth taking a chance on?

 

Depends whether you need the added traction from a LSD. If you intend to always live in a non-freezing environment, never leave the pavement, and not power hard around corners, it doesn't sound like you'd need the added complication of a LSD.

Signed,

This guy who meets all of the above and has managed fine for a couple decades among a few trucks with an open rear.

 

Hmm well I don't plan on offroading with it, I do plan to use it in the winter months tho so there will be freezing at times. Not even entirely sure how long I'll keep the truck either. Hmm decisions decisions. How many miles have you out on the original stock setup?

 

My '06 came with the 3.55 open diff, but I scored a 3.92 with LSD and 50k miles and swapped that in to help with towing soon after buying the truck.. The LSD's had an issue with the clips holding the outside clutch plate tabs breaking. Dodge offered upgraded clips and I replaced mine right after getting it. I actually have an extra set of the clips in my toolbox if someone needs them.

 

Hmm well, I've decided to hold off on the 3.55 open and keep my eyes open for a LSD. I'll take the chance and maybe look into how difficult it will be to upgrade the retainers. Any idea of these can be bought still?

Or how much would you want for your spare ones djsilverjohnson?65 khy cggvml8lnphjgb

 

I found them a couple of weeks ago while I was looking for something else. I just have to remember where I found them....,

 

At 125,000 miles with the 3.7L / 3.55 open, 14 years old, 2 gear oil changes since new, no issues at all. I've towed the largest U-Haul enclosed trailer at 6'x12' (2,000 pounds empty) full to the door with about 2,500 pounds of furniture/households (4,500 pounds total, upper legal limit of my truck rating) on 3 separate occasions and it handled it fine...Could stop well with brakes on all 4 axles among truck/trailer, just didn't accelerate better than a loaded freight train (who cares, no hurry). Just let it go from a stop wherever it's comfortable, don't push it, and keep it in "Tow/Haul" so the tranny stays locked in 3rd gear at speed and keeps it from "hunting" in and out of 4th.