Early S Man- what do you know about rear ends?

R22tech · R22tech's Garage

I could be wrong, but Warren, don't you have a Dodge pickup? If so, do you know anything about the rear differentials on these? I ask because I'm having a nightmare problem on my 98 Dodge Ram 1500 with an LSD rear diff. At 43,000 miles it started roaring. like a 4x4 with big knobby tires(it's a 2 wheel drive). Long story short, I convinced Chrysler to repair it even though it was out of warranty. They replaced a pinion bearing and other stuff. Problem was solved. Now I have 47,000 miles, same noise is back. Called dealer, they said this one is going to be on me! Why would I pay for a repair from a shop that did it once and it failed again shortly after? My question is: I haven't had it diagnosed yet, so I don't know what is wrong other than it sounds exactly the same as before the repair. Do you have any idea what it could be? Maybe it just needs an adjustment or something tightened? Anything that i could check myself? What could be causing the problem? Should i just go find a used rear diff and have it installed? Any help would be appreciated.

p.s. I'm sorry to use this forum for this question, didn't know who else to ask.

tmctguer · tmctguer's Garage

i've trusted Early S Man's advice on many topics. i hope he doesn't come out of the closet on this one..............BBS don't fail me now !!!

R22tech · R22tech's Garage

Forgot to ask....how long do you think I could go with this noise? It seems to be getting louder by the week. What else am I screwing up by continuing to drive it like this? Thanks again.

island911 · 02-12-2002, 11:58 AM

Of course *there is* email, for open ended questions like this.

critter · 02-12-2002, 12:19 PM

When you replace the ring and pinion on a rear end it is fairly important that is set up properly,I personally think most dealerships don't know how to do this right.I would look in the yellow pages for a speed shop and ask him if he does gear swaps or who he uses for gear swaps,You really need to get somebody who does this all the time to get a good job.Just my opinion.

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

When you replace the ring and pinion on a rear end it is fairly important that is set up properly,I personally think most dealerships don't know how to do this right.I would look in the yellow pages for a speed shop and ask him if he does gear swaps or who he uses for gear swaps,You really need to get somebody who does this all the time to get a good job.Just my opinion. [/QUOTE]

I agree. Years ago, I went through 2 sets of 5:13 rear end gears on my 69 Roadrunner becasue two different dealers could not set them up correctly. If it is the R&P, a speed shop is your best bet. I'd bet that most dealers just don't get the expereice needed to do this work.