well i torn apart the ram today, ....











as you can see, the rear e-brake shoes are the original factory ones, Never changed with 120K miles. The shoe pad broke off and was moving around in the drum-in-hat making the noise. I guess I should have checked them sooner. Will be replacing soon, I got the new shoes, but now I need new hardware, the old springs seems streched.

Good new is the rear end is fine, c-clips and all, but I am still going to do a detroit truetrac soon.

 

Considering what it could have been, I'd say that's good news...

 

im relieved, im still going to do a detroit truetrac soon

 

Oooo what's his name called it...from the other thread. Glad you found the prob man.

 

Sure glad it turned out to be a minor fix instead of a major headache. Now you can plan your rear end change on a schedule to suit you. Excellent photos by the way. If you do the differential change yourself, please document the change with photos. It will be helpful to many in the future, (me included). Sure wish I had access to a shop with a lift. That cold cement floor is really tough on us old farts.
P.S. Is your current Diff. a limited slip? Are you refilling with synthetic? If so, which weight and brand? Thanks - Lou

 

My gravel driveway is all I have to work with...but yea, I think a shop is the best "mod" someone can do for their truck!

 

I refilled the diff with mobile 1 full synthetic 75-90 for LSD's.

Yes, it will be nice to do the rear diff on my own schedule, after I learn how to properly set/check - backlash, preload, and rolling resistance.

 

Do you have a 2500? You should use 140 for a 1500 rear.

 

not according to the owners manual

 

If you say so...page 515 of the owners manual PDF says differently. 90 should be ok though..