I didn't see a poll on this, but wanted to find out how wide spread an issue I just experienced is out there.


I've got the following:

• 2005 RAM 1500 4x4
• DMDS 3.55 Axle Ratio
• DRBS Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle
• Roughly 74,000 miles on my truck

Yesterday morning I was driving down the road when all of a sudden I heard a loud whining/grinding noise from the rear end, then a loud boom. The car pulled over and couldn't tell much since it was pretty dark out, but realized the car wasn't going anywhere so I called for a tow. When the tow truck showed up and lifted it, he showed me the driveshaft was gone (we found it up the road).

Once I got the truck to the shop (not a dealer), they looked it over and called me once they diagnosed what happened: The pinion nut came off, at which point the driveshaft came off then finally the pinion shaft flew into the bottom of the rear end cracking the case.

I already have what the estimate is for a rebuilt or new rear end. I'm more interested in finding out how prevalent this issue is? I'm not seeing any recalls or TSBs regarding the pinion nut on this model of rear end.

Thanks.

 

Do you have limited slip? I havent heard of the pinion nut just coming off, but the retaining clips in limited slip diffs is a pretty widespread problem.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...rear-axle.html

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...clip-club.html

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...need-help.html

 

Well, The pinion nut is located outside of the housing, so there's no way it can cause internal damage. Even if the pinion nut came off, there would be noticeable noise loooong before major damage occured because the pinion gear will be held relatively in place and would scorch the bearings more or less.
You def have broken clutch pack retaining clips and THAT is very common in the 2002-2005 model years. Less common 2006+ as the clips were revised but does still happen.
If the damage caused your driveshaft to come off, you will need a new rear end as it's highly likely the damage is far past rebuilding it. generally the inside gets too torn up and ruins the carrier bearing caps.

If you do a search you'll find more links than what's posted about regarding expolding rear diffs due to c-clips...even though they technically aren't c-clips and are actually clutch pack retaining clips. C-clips are what holds your axles in place. Clutch pack retaining clips hold hold your clutch pack together and that is where the problem lies.
OEM Ram 9.25" LSD's SUCK, don't put another one in or you could end up with the same problem!

 

Thanks for the input. It's not a limited slip diff based on the VIN codes:
DMDS 3.55 Axle Ratio and DRBS Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle

I think the limited slip would show up as Anti-Slip or something like that. I believe the LD in the code above means light duty.

Yea, looking like a replacement now at this point, just reviewing my options. Thanks again.

 

Ouch glad your alright.

 

Your correct. LD meands light duty.

Are your rear tires locked? because you could jus have some gear tooth and bearing damage and if thats the case it very well could be rebuildable.

 

Yes, the rear tires are locked up. The rear differential case is cracked on the bottom, so looks like a rebuild isn't an option. I'm reviewing alternatives now. The pinion nut was still rattling around in the yoke assembly which was in tact on the drive shaft. Check out the pictures.

Thanks.