I know there has been a lot of posts about this, but I'm looking for some opinions about whether I should be concerned about the issues that many have reported with regards to LS differentials. I have an LS differential with a 3.55 axle ratio. The truck has 65 000 kms on it and the diff. fluid hasn't been changed yet. After reading several posts on here about the differentials piling up I asked my dealer about it. He said he knew that was an issue on some trucks, but that mine didn't fall into that group. He also said he ran my vin number for recalls and TSB's and none came up.

There was fluid leaking from the pinion, and the dealer replaced both the seal and the flange under warranty. They told me that in some trucks the flanges had a groove in them and had to be replaced.

Anyway, I am going on holidays in July and towing our camper, and I don't want any issues. I am still "getting to know" the truck as I just got it a couple of months ago. Should I press the dealer to take the cover off the diff. and inspect it?

 

I just had a LS installed in my 05 ram, The shop I took it to recommends that LS diffs should be changed at every 15000 miles and don't forget to add the additive for it. Hope that helps.

 

I need to do this to my Ram.
I'm nervous as hell, as I don't know what to expect if I open up the pumpkin..............

I dread to think there are bits floating around in there.
I don't here any growling or clunking from the diff, so hopefully I should be OK ???????????
Al.

 

Which LS did you add to your truck? I am seriously considering adding a LS to mine. Also, how much, if I might ask.

 

Removing the cover is no big deal, just do it.

Crack open the bottom of the cover with a screwdriver or scraper and leave the bolts still in there loose. Let it drain.

Take off the cover, wipe out the metal filings in the bottom or any other pieces you find.

If you find clips and that sort of thing, then bring the pieces to the dealer and get replacements. Then ask us and we'll guide you in putting em back in.

Clean the surfaces of the cover and the diff real good with a scraper.

Use Permatex Ultra Grey (around 1/4 inch on the cover) to seal them and put them back on. Don't overtighten, Tq is 30 ft lbs.