Differential
#1
Differential
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
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
#2
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South Georgia/East Florida
Posts: 24,686
Likes: 0
Received 20 Likes
on
19 Posts
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...
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...
Last edited by HammerZ71; 11-11-2009 at 06:20 PM.
#3
#4
#6
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.
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.
#7
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?