I just bought a 2002 RAM 1500 with 73,000 miles. After reading about issues with the LSD and failure of the clutch pack retaining clips I decided to take a look and change the fluid in the rear.

After I opened it up I found many broken pieces of the clips attached to the magnet. Further inspection revealed that all clips were missing from the clutch packs.

I closed the rear back up and refilled the fluid. Question is... I'm supposed to go on a 500 mile trip tomorrow. Will the rear hold up for the trip? I noticed no play in the carrier or pinion during the inspection and there were no unusual sounds before I opened it up. Just don't want to get stuck 250 miles from home. Thoughts?

 

I'd say if you're sure ALL the pieces are gone, you'll be OK. The clips hold the clutch packs in during assembly.

 

I inspected the best I could through the opening; there were no pieces of the clips where they are supposed to be. Is there any other signs of damage to look for?

 

Did you take the cover off? If not, leave it parked.

 

The magnet at the bottom won't hold the pieces better to do a full flush/drain/new fluid with cover pulled

 

He did pull the cover...

 

"I inspected the best I could through the opening ..." doesn't sound like a cover removal.

 

Maybe he meant he did the best inspection he could with the cover off?

I just rebuilt my entire rear assembly, and at first glance, the clips were all gone, but you cant see the "backside" of them easily.

It's not like the clutch pack can spin in the carrier from what I could tell. They have substantial tabs to keep them from doing so.

I drove mine without a good functioning limited slip for a long time, meaning thousands of miles, but it seemed ok.

 

And to get to the magnet, you have to pop the cover.

A rebuild is a little more involved than I thought it would be, and let me just say, getting that clutch pack with the clips in is a pain.

Don't get me started about the thrust washers under the spiders....lol

 

Thanks for the replies. I did pull the cover, drain, inspect, and fill with new fluid. I had no issues on the 500 mile drive, but I have noticed a slight vibration which mostly occurs mainly between 30-40mph. I'm thinking it may be the u-joints on the drive shaft. The vibration occurs during acceleration and braking. This has been present since I have owned the truck (no more than 1500 miles).