Look on your build sheet for "Anti-Spin Differential" first so you know for sure if you have an LSD or not. And there's alot of things that some trucks should have but don't get from the factory (like offroad packages should get skid plates and tow hooks imo). When the trucks go down the line I'm sure they just slap on whatever axle is next in line and then if it gets a front differential too then it does. Idk lol

 

I got dodge rep on here to email me it, and I dont think I have the LSD or atleast I couldnt find the ASD and all on it; just the standard lD rear axle and thast it. I dont have the sticker in the glove box either like most have.

I guess I dont have to worry about the retaining clips thought. I should jsut be able to go aftermarket LSD and keep the same rear differential right? I know some trucks that come with open diffs need a differential switch to go lsd.

 

I have also read that I should put cheap gear fluid in the diffs for the first 500 miles. Than change over to a higher quaility fluid after that. Why?

 

metal particles that may occur from your 500 mile new gear break in.

 

^^^ what he said and there is a film on new gears that burns off during the break in as well

 

my 05 1500 4x4 has an open rear diff too, I couldn't believe it when I saw the build sheet. Seems pretty damn stupid. I thought like you too though, at least I don't have to worry about the retaining clips busting out, I can just replace it with an aftermarket lsd when i have a chance and not worry about the clips breaking in the meantime.

 

yeah im happy about mine being like that to. As much as I think its stupid to even give an open diff on a 4x4; like you I planned to get to aftermarket lsd and gears anyways so this just allows me to not have to worry and rush to do it.

I do wish it had damn tow hooks on it though smh!

 

I agree. Ain't no 4x4 should ship with an open rear diff although they all do it. I have had two Chevy Z71s which of course come with a rear LSD as part of the Z71 package but have many friends with Chevy/GM 4x4s sans Z71 who have open diffs from the factory...

 

Couldn't have said it better! Setting up gears ain't like bolting on a throttle body spacer... I've seen brand new gear sets fail within 1000 miles due to improper pinion depth, preload, and/or backlash. If you don't know what a "good pattern" is, and how to achieve one, don't try this yourself!!!

A reputable transmission & gear shop will know "what THEY need" to do the job correctly for you. All you will need is a fat wallet.

 

Generally I agree with you, but maybe he's a smart guy and wants to learn. Everyone had to learn at some point. Nothing wrong with gathering info. If everyone who had to ask questions about doing something new to their truck was told, if you have to ask you can't do it, then there would be a lot more $$ in shop's pockets. Now I understand the need for caution and some jobs are a lot more involved than others, but that doesn't mean it can't or shouldn't be done. Just my two cents.