Hi guys,and thanks for any help that you could offer.I'm the proud owner of a 2000 RAM Van,3500 5.9L with the extended body.About 9 months ago,the rear end started whining really bad.If I lost gear oil,where did it go and how?The van runs fine right now but the rear end is very loud and i wanted to know if i should add gear lube to a leaking pumpkin????

 

The only way adding gear oil would quieten a whining rear end is if there were little to no Gear oil in there to begin with.
Start saving your money.

 

9 months ago you probably just needed a fluid change. Today you need a full rebuild.

 

You probably have (had) a leaky cover gasket. Gear oil drips out a little at a time until you have too little oil remaining to lubricate the gears. Sounds like the damage is already done.

Three ways to remedy this situation (1) Have your local mechanic rebuild the diff by replacing all of the gears and bearings, including the outer wheel bearings and seals. (2) Have your mechanic replace the entire rear axle assy with a known good junkyard unit. Of course, fill with fresh gear oil. (3) You replace the entire rear axle assy as above instead of hiring your mechanic & save a few bucks.

I wouldn't recommend taking on the job of rebuilding the rear diff unless you are a skilled mechanic who has prior experience with this job.

 

I did a full rebuild on mine last summer and I'm not a mechanic. It was also the first rear axle rebuild I did.
You just have to get the right tools, documentation, and then have some patience.

 

You are an exception to the rule.

 

It's funny how many people say that to me, but somehow I don't think they mean it in a nice way!

 

I ain't mad at 'cha. Got nothin' but love for ya. Do your thing boy.

 

Present company was excluded from my remark.