I have a 98 2500 4x4 with only 68k original. 3.54 Rear end ( I hear that it is a Spicer 80). Whenever I turn a corner from a stop sign, I can hear and feel some serious grinding in the rear end. I have a Hytech rear cover and pulling the magnetic dip stick in it showed a lot of metal shavings. What is going on here? The truck has never been abused and I can't believe it. Is this a known problem for this rear end? What kind of money am I looking at to repair it? I was told you need special tools andexperience as well to get into this thing.What advice do you have for me?

 

it's a dana 80 axel probably. . .if not a dana 70.

I'm wondering if you busted a spider gear. only way to tell whats up would be to pull the cover. post pics

 

Well considering it is a 2500 it should have a dana 70 unless special ordered with dana 80. and no you do not need any real special tools for the job.

 

Is this a common problem with these rear ends? I am debating which way to go. I found a used rear end from a salvage yard. They said that it only has 48k on it. They seem to be a reputable company ( I still need to check the BBB on them). They want $650.00 for it. Does that seem reasonable? I haven't gotten a quote on mine yet but I am anticipating it costing more than that. If it is a common problem then it probably won't be long before the salvage one needs to be worked on.

I have been told that I would need a case spreader to work on it. Is that also true?