So, as you may recall, I changed the fluids in my rears, transfer case and changed spark plugs this last weekend. During the rear fluid change, I found a little piece of metal in the rear housing. It looks like a wide "w", and is about 2mm wide and 13-14mm long.

Stopped at the dealer today to see my friend and told him about it. Turns out to be part of a retainer for the LSD clutch pack, and if let go, the clutch pack self destructs, destroying the rear. Gutting the housing is required for repair.

Only 39K, and adult owned.

Goes in Monday for the repair.....[:@] He says it's also a common problem. Dealers used to replace the entire rear insides cause DC didn't supply JUST the clips, but now heavier, single clips are available.

FYI.....especially if you run your fingers in the housing and find the same thing.

Here's the part:

 

Unfortunately, that is a common failure.

Dodge really should 'do the right thing'
and issue an official recall on all LSD with that defective clip.

 

Maybe someone should contact them.

 

I did, almost a year ago to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
It is such a common problem, that many members were encouraged to do so on a lot of Dodge forums, as DC were not doing anything about it at all except, replace the damaged stuff with exactly the same crap as before???
Here is the NHTSA's response.

"The information you gave me was forwarded to our Defects Assessment Division who monitors and reviews these cases. There has not been a formal investigation opened."

I do know that quite a few Dodge owners did the same as me and reportedthe problem.
I guess though, that not enough of us did, otherwise DC would have been forced to issuea recall?
So, until one of these LSD equiped diff's blows apart or locks up and kills someone, no one wants to know???

Al.

 

You have no clue how many people died already with the minivan, (DC's) and DC still denies that there's a problem. The only recall that came out of most of the complaints was for the rear latch on the hatch.

DC is becoming what MItsubishi was in the late 80's and 90's..........

 

God forbid it becomes a Ford Explorer issue???
Al.

 

Doubt it. Rear axles take a crap every day, and they give fair warning, with grinding and moaning (sounds like PORNO) so befroe they ever lock up and cause mahem, it's towed to a shop.

It just sucks that for the $30+K you pay for a truck, you have to put up with piddlilly, little BS stuff like this........

Corporate BS. If it were the little guy, they'd be yanked on the carpet and handed their ***........

Typical........

I'll just bend over and take it in the kiester........ (Translated: Pay my deductable)[:@]

 

another victim....

 

I'll let you all know how it turns out...........

 

FYI- This is a non-issue with Power Wagons. They have a different LSD.