Thanks again Hammer.

I've read a lot on the c-clips, but not sure what the best practice is? If I buy a Ram with the LSD, should I simply have them removed?

I read this too: "Limited slip differential...AKA (LSD). Very common issue with the factory Mopar LSD is for the Clutch Pack reatiner clips (commonly reffered to as the "c-clips") to wiggle themselves out of the carrier and cause serious damage. In late 2005 Chrysler changed manufactures which beefed up the retainer clips and slowed down the problem; however, it still has been occurring but at a rate much lower than before. This pertans to ALL 9.25" LSD rear-ends which are in 1500's only. Some guys remove them, but over time the clutch packs will move around in the carrier and cause wear/rubbing on the inside. This will wear out the friction discs as well as the inside of the carrier."

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...e-posting.html

 

yep, you can just have them yanked out. Doesn't seem to effect the function of the LSDs at all. Although it's not a very good LSD. It's about on par with the Ford factory unit but falls a good bit short of the ones GM uses in the Z71 package. Of course, the Gm powerplants don't hold a candle to the Hemi.

What you read is kinda right for the most part, but the switch on clips happened towards the end of the '05 run, so most '05s will still have the older style clips. But I've seen/heard of quite a few '06s and '07s fail too. So it's just a good idea to yank the clips or at the very least plan for 15k fluid changes to inspect them...

Having a good after-market LSD like a Detroit TruTrac or Auburn Gear might be a mod to think about some time down the road.

But you shouldn't have too many problems with an '04 ASSUMING it was well maintained by the PO and has no issues when you get it. In seven years of ownership (bought new with 8 miles on the clock), I've been in for a warranty repair ONCE, for a blown shock when it was still bone stock, after a day off-road hog huntin'...

 

Luckily my 03 hasn't fallen apart yet. I plan to get the rear looked at soon because we know it's on borrowed time (78k miles) and there's nothing I can do about valve springs unless I get 'em swapped -- and a cam at the same time!

 

John - is your 03 4x4? It's a great looking truck.

I'm in atl btw.

 

Yep, it's 4x4 with every possible option. I bought it in Ringgold, GA, and the carfax report showed it was a 1-owner, 40k-mile truck from the metro Atlanta area. That was a little over 4 years ago and it's been perfect.

More pics here

 

Do the 4x2's generally not have LSD?

 

Hit & Miss, depends on how it was originally ordered. I've seen a good many 4x2s with and seen some 4x4s without. Although I'd say on average, you're more apt to find a 4x2 without and a 4x4 with...

 

Thanks.

Back to the 03 - my local dealership quoted my a ballpark of $650 to change out all the valve springs to the heavier spring. That sound about right?

If so, if I can get the 03 for a great price, it might be worth it and get the springs changed out . . .

 

That sounds about right. Usually independent shops are cheaper, check around before you swap em out.
For the $$ it costs for the spring swap I'd say save money and jump on the 03

Try to use the spring swap as leverage on the price with the seller

 

I have a line on an 05 Hemi with 112k miles - with an asking price at $10.5. SLT with leather. Sound in-line or no?