A general question for you guys.

I have a 2006 1500 (that I got in a lemon law settlement over a Dakota), with 70K on it.

Last week it developed a whining noise in the rear end, and I just got the news this morning that the differential needs repairs to the tune of $800. Actually I was worried it would be worse.

Anyway, I'm not a gearhead and don't keep track of automotive things, but I now I'm worried that this is a weakness in the Rams. I've never had a differential go out, and I've driven some of my autos for close to 300K before trading them off.

Also, I had the truck into a dealer for servicing about 10K ago and they replaced a leaking seal on the differential. My gut tells me their repair is linked to my current problem.

What does the community have to say? Can I anticipate future differential problems?

NNY

 

Without seeing it, I'm guessing it's the "C-Clips" in the factory LSD unit. Do a search for it anywhere, here, Google, anyplace. The single most written about part of a Dodge truck and yes, probably the single worst component in the truck.

At $800 it sounds like it's only the LSD and it did not take out the ring and pinion (as commonly happens) or a dealer quote would be much more like $2000.

The 9.25" Chrysler Corporate (AAM) rear axle, although not in the class of a DANA in my opinion, is a very strong unit in itself. It's the LSD (Limited Slip Differential) that is a piece of absolute garbage. Even when they don't explode and take out the entire axle with them, they are a very poor excuse for a limited slip anyway.

Do yourself a BIG favor and spend $400-$500 on a top notch Auburn Gear LSD or Detroit TruTrac and DO NOT waste $800 at the dealer on another Mopar LSD that will get you stuck on wet grass and just explode at some point down the road anyway...

 

If it leaked and was run low on gear oil then it probably did get some extra wear on the gears. This would link the two things together. It may also be the LS unit, that has been known to cause problems, like Hammer mentioned.

 

this is my first post. im scared my 06 4x4 hemi ram is going to need the same treatment for repair, the only thing is i have 40500 miles on it and its screwed up... is this normal? i think not... can anyone comment on this?

 

c-clip like hammer said

 

This is why the fluid change and inspection at the recommended intervals is so important. But when I look, the 08 manual states this:
Inspect the front & rear axle fluid, change if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing.
18,000 miles.

Never gives a normal time to change it. Not even 102,000 miles. I'm gonna do mine at 30K when I do the plugs so I can inspect the LS unit.

 

question: if ur stock lsd unit happens to crap the bed and the dealer wants $800 to replace it but you want to go the route of a auburn or dtt instead does that mean its only $500ish + install which would = the same price the dealer wants for the piece of crap oem one? do u have a shop do the install or the dealer?

 

Ive got an Auburn and it does me well. I love it so far.

 

+1 for the Auburn (or DTT for that matter). Yes it would only be the $500 installation charge (plus the cost of the LSD). If your factory one craps out you'd be dumb not to upgrade

 

^^ true. might as well upgrade.