I snugged on the nut maybe 1/8 or 1/16 of a turn, preload is the same and no slack in the flange. Next, adding some amsoil 75w-140 (2.1 liters). Do I need to add the limited slip additive Eaton TrueTrac?

***update
No limited slip needed :
http://www.ringpinion.com/b2c/Produc...and=Eaton_Posi

http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/axle/9_25specs.html

 

Thanks for all the help!!!

Everything seems to be okay. I drained the Amsoil before the test drive and replace w/ regular 80w-90 per Eaton's website (no synthetic). Drove it 12 miles and let it cool down before driving again. I can hear a very slight sound around 50-51 mph, then goes away. Cruised at 70 mph and not a sound.

 

I've got a 2004 Ram 1500. I need to rebuild the differential,,,either that or purchase a used one, which I'd rather not do. My question is: my experience on auto repair has been limited and I'm not sure it's do-able. I've rebuilt/replaced "everything" and I mean everything on the front-end suspension/steering of my sons 1998 Ram. It took us a few days, was a project but a lot of fun. So from your experience,,,,is it something I should try and tackle?

 

I've got a 2004 Ram 1500. I need to rebuild the differential,,,either that or purchase a used one, which I'd rather not do. My question is: my experience on auto repair has been limited and I'm not sure it's do-able. I've rebuilt/replaced "everything" and I mean everything on the front-end suspension/steering of my sons 1998 Ram. It took us a few days, was a project but a lot of fun. So from your experience,,,,is it something I should try and tackle?

 

I wouldn’t get a replacement for the stock unit or the problem will happen again.
Get an aftermarket carrier like an alburn or a locker..
If you do it yourself make sure you got the tools you need and do a lot of research.
If you do rebuild it yourself make sure you keep the stock shim on the pinion and use it again or one the exact size.
The 9.25 is not a good rear end to learn on.

 

I cannot seem to get the pinion preload on my 1998 2500 van tight enough. I used the same shim with new bearings but cannot get the preload to 15-35 in, lbs. In fact it takes no inch lbs. to rotate. I'm not sure what to do and am hesitant to continue with play in the pinion. Any good ideas out there?

 

Tighten the nut some more. It gets torqued to some truly stupid value.....