I have an 03 ram 2500. It was chirping and sqeeling for the past couple weeks. I replaced the rear u joint in it and the took away the sqeek at low speed. But, it is losing a small amount of fluid out of the rear end leading me to think the rear pinion seal also needs replaced. I read somewhere when you replace it you should also replace the crush sleeve as well. I have a few questions about this. Would any of this explain why i still hear a squeek. It sounds almost like rubbing your fingers on a balloon. secondly, should i replace only pinion seal or pinion seal and crush sleeve. And lastly are there any important things i should do or know when replacing the pinion seal and if needed the crush sleeve. Thank you. Its much appreciated.

 

You probably want to determine if the noise is coming from the differential or wheels. If the noise is coming from the differential replacing just the seal is just a waste of time. I would guess you got bad bearings but probably not real bad yet. I just had my diff rebuilt on Monday it was making quite a bit of noise at low speed and whined at around 60. The bearings did not look that bad to me but a little burnt but a little rough when rotated.
When they replace just the pinion seal you do not replace the crash sleeve which would require dis-assembly. When you put the flange back on you are supposed to return it to achieve 5 additional inch pounds to rotate the pinion with the axles pulled. There is a detailed procedure in the service manual but I would not trust most technician to follow it and that includes the dealership. A drive-line specialty shop if you can find one would be your best option to have it looked at.