Today I was pulling out of the grocery store & all of a sudden the rear end started to lock up. Then the drive shaft fell out then bearings. I picked up about 6. One was cracked. Then LOTS of rear end oil drained out. Needless to say It was hauled away. What do you guys or tech think what happen. It is at the shop now. Good thing that I took out a extended warranty. Only 32000 miles on Big Orange. Thanks for help...

 

1) Pinion came loose???

2) Spider gears grenaded??

3) That old favorite (if fitted) the stock LSD clips failed and took the gears with it??


Al

 

You may be getting a complete differential. The pinion nut could have came off but I would guess something broken internally and caused the pinion to break off. If the housing is not damaged and the carrier is not damaged then it might be a rebuild. Now the question is how will the warranty company want to fix it.

 

If you have a Limited slip diff, then it sounds like the Clutchpack Retaining Clips worked their way out and locked up the rear end.
If that's the case, then yeah, you'll likely need a whole new rear diff. I would opt for an open diff from the junkyard and put in an aftermarket LSD if thats what you want/need. OEM LSD is notorious for those clips breaking apart and ruining the diff.

 

I'm so glad mine has open diff from the factory

 

Still waiting to find out what the warranty company is going to do. The do not make the complete unit for a 05 now. Part by part is very costly, and If they put a rear end in from the junkyard it cant have over 32,000 miles on it. Any way price is looking like about 2 to 4 grand. My part is 50.00. Make sure if you buy a used truck in GREAT shape still take out a warranty. Went by shop today to see work done it is one tore-up rear end inside. Just waiting to see what is the next step. Shop told me that the '05 did not have problems with the pinion nut or the clips inside??? Who knows what happen in side of their. A 3:92 with LSD.

 

I'm sure the stock LSD clutch pack, had issues right up until 05.
Al.

 

You should replace the carrier with an aftermarket.. the new one will just do the same thing again. that's what everyone's been doing,

 

Well, I hope I have better luck,

42,000 miles 355 LSD.(9 1/4 inch) tow package. 04 1500. V6 5 speed. bought New.

changed the trans and rear fluids at 40,000. rear fluid was CLEAR... and nothing on the magnet strip.
and In January.. a 3,000 miles trip planed. with a 1,200 lb trailer. (motorcycle incluided)

 

In most case's, The pinion nut will back off and cause the pinion gear to fall into the housing and locking up the rear differential.