Hello guys, i purchased a 2003 Ram 1500 4x4 quad cab 5.9L about 5 mths ago and it appears that my rear axle is cracked on the bottom of the pumkin housing. didnt notice when i first bought because jerk that sold it to me covered that crack from the inside with jb weld and didnt start leaking until recently. while i took to cover off, also noticed that the pinion appears to be scraping on the axle housing.( not sure if used correct terms). in any case, it seems like the best thing to do is replace the differential all together. i have tried to research, and i believe i have a 9.25 rear axle with 3.55 gear ratio.( correct me if im wrong)
so ive looked for this differential and cant find one for under $1000. bucks. i do not have that kind of money. Ive tried looking in salvage yards, but apparently the 5.9L is only found in 11% of Rams of that year. My question is, what other more common vehicle has a compatible differential?? any help is greately appreciated. thanks

 

You can use the rear axle out of any 1500 02-08. Just make sure its the right ratio.