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3rd Gen Ram Tech2002-2008 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2002 through 2008 Rams Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
I have a 02 Ram 1500 5.9 V8. My differential has been making a humming noise (no grinding or anything) that gets louder the faster I go. I changed out the fluid when I replaced the rear axle bearings but did not add any lsd additive because the 75W-90 oil said it already had additive (I used cheap Walmart supertech oil cause it's SAE rated). Old oil was a little thicker and silvery at the bottom of the diff. My question is, if I already have a somewhat worn differential (see photo of ring gear), should I go ahead and add some "extra" additive? Will it help with the noise level and extend the life of my differential, or can I actually cause more harm than good by doing that? Are there any recommendations for additives aside from Mopar based on user experience (e.g. Yukon)? I've had someone also recommended a graphite additive but unsure of how that will perform with lsd.
The humming gets louder the faster I go, and decreases as I slow down...if it's a bad pinion bearing then would it make the sound only when accelerating?
That makes sense for the friction modifier....I'm trying to avoid having to rebuild the differential for now and am wondering why my options are to prolong the life.
You have a bearing going out, which one becomes the question. If it is speed dependent, and doesn't change whether you are on power or not, likely one of the carrier bearings.
Wear on the ring gear DOES look rather odd. The 'coast' side of the teeth are 100% shiny. Not something I expect to see..... But, in for a penny, in for a pound. Might be cheaper to just replace the entire rear diff with a used unit.... just make sure it is the same gear ratio as yours. Rebuilds will run into four figures easily. Replacements can be had for a few hundred.
That's true - O'Reilly has a 'Power Torque' brand and Advance has 'Spartan' for a new drive axle assembly. Would you recommend one of these, or going to the scrapyard and taking my chances with a random one?
Them fellers are pretty pricey... You could rebuild for less... (unless you are paying someone else labor as well....) Gear setup is critical though. It is very easy to screw it up, and tedious to get it right. Can be a right pain in the keester.... If you haven't done it before, or have someone that has that can lend a hand, one of the new ones might be the best plan. I would expect it comes with a warranty as well.
05-01-2024, 11:10 AM
Limited Slip Differential additive
Might be cheaper to just replace the entire rear diff with a used unit.... just make sure it is the same gear ratio as yours. Rebuilds will run into four figures easily. Replacements can be had for a few hundred.