I have a 02 ram 1500 with 9.25 rear end...
I just took off diff cap to remove open carrier and replace with positive... It looks like possibly my left axle tube might have pushed into pumpkin case.
Im basing all this off the fact that the threaded/shim spacers on the inner tubes, there are 2 small holes next to the cover holes (Slightly larger)..... On the left driver side hole, it looks like the axle sleeve possibly pushed in about 1".. I will take pictures when i get home. I just need a second opinion because the right side has nothing coming across

 

Driver side left side" />As you can see looks like a axle tube is about 1" pressed in
Driver side left side
All clear right side passenger side

 

If the pig is centered under the truck, (more or less) and the wheels are the same distance from the centerline of the truck, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

If the tube was actually pushed in too far, that would essentially locate the axle end further inside the carrier and cause huge problems, if I'm understanding what you're describing.

Clean and check where the tube meets the center section for damage. But I think there would be a lot of other evidence of a problem if that wasn't how it is supposed to be.

 

Gotta agree here. It takes a LOT of force to move one of those axle tubes....... I suspect the truck would not survive such an experience.

 

My 1999 1500 4x4 axle tube looks the same as yours on the drivers side. But my bed was slightly pushed in from both sides behind the cab.


Don’t know if this damage caused the tube to be recessed in the pumpkin or not

 

If you look at the hole to the left of the shiny part, in the first pic, you will note the dirt there is not disturbed. The tube didn't move.

 

ok thanks brother. I bought this truck a while ago and just changed the fluid last night but my gut feeling is that it came this way.

 

My drivers side axle broke at the location of the wheel bearing just behind the hub flange and as a result it distorted the tube at the outermost area where the seal is located. . how big of a job is it to replace the tube ?

 

It's easier to replace the entire axle. Probably cheaper too.