okay started getting a loud popping noise, so i took the cover off the rear end and seen that i have metal chips laying in the bottom of the housing. i noticed they where the teeth off of the driver side axle. they are also 2 gears that go from one axle to the other can some one tell me what they are called or have the layout of the rear end? also can i change these with out messing with the ring and pinion? thanks for any help

 

Do a search in this section for "c-clip" you'll find all the information you'll ever need and then some...

 

long story short, the c-clip fell out of the driver's side axel. yes you can change the axels without messing with the ring and pinion.

 

Groan.....another poor guy needing help with this terrible problem. Dodge just won't "manu up" .
Good luck to the op and I hope your axle isn't all chewed up by those clips?? Otherwise thats an expensive repair right there.
Al.