I have an 03 Ram Quad Cab 4x4 - it has a limited slip rear diff. A couple of weeks ago I began to notice some chatter in the differential while backing up. I finally got some time to change the fluid tonight and I think I got some problems.

I found several pieces of metal stuck to the magnet. Some were about a quarter inch long and some were smaller. I found 2 odd shaped pieces that look similar to the } symbol on your keyboard.

I also found scratches on the inside of the diff cover. Any idea what caused that?

I did not see any broken teeth on any of the gears so I'm not sure what part the metal is from? Clutches?

Any ideas on how to proceed would be appreciated. How expensive is it to rebuild the diff?

Thanks.

Chris

It could be from the pinion, Can you see it?? But more than likely it is from the clutches...

Sound's like clutch pak retaining clip's.I've read on this and it's common to the 03-04 limited slip rearend's.I believe there is an article at DT on this.If your drivetrain warranty is still good i would take it to your local dealer and get it fixed under warranty.

I had the same problem a few times. Good luck hope you still have a warranty.

i had the same problem i was told some thing to do with the c clips ( i think it was retainers) they like to fall out for some reason . every thing looked good still driving on it for over a year now with no problems.

Its funny you mention this problem... look at the post below this one, I posted it and coinsidentialy i have the same damn problem. And like someone said it is the C clips in the clutch pack. It will cost you a lot of money come to find out (I took the same chunks of metal you mention to the dealership). I am really pissed off about this also. Get it replaced as soon as possible. Get your pinion gear and all your bearings inspected also, it could of messed up everything in your rear end come to find out. If you do it your self, good luck with your e brake, its a pain in the butt.
good luck
brian

I also have that problem, i changed the fluid today and at least 2 of the C clipst are shreded no damage to the gears and it doesn't seam to make a difference.

I had one replaced 13K miles ago Feb 2008, so at 45K mine broke. $100 later, they put in a Complete new one.
Well I heard a noise today, and went to Dodge, and found out I have another faulty unit. So I will request another new one. I wish the SRT10 would fit. I'd rather have a Dana instead of the Corporate crap.

fit for me?? just gotta get a yoke instead of a flange on your driveshaft installed and have your driveshaft cut about an inch.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JohnnywithaHEMI:
fit for me?? just gotta get a yoke instead of a flange on your driveshaft installed and have your driveshaft cut about an inch.

Or you can redrill the locater hole in the mount pad to move the axle back an inch. Then you don't have to shorten the driveshaft and your wheels will be centered in the wheel well. Easy swap.

wheels are centered, The axel tubes and spring pads are the exact same as on the stock axel. moving the hole basically moves the location on the springs and would Uncenter it. I cut the driveshaft not for axel placement but because the yoke on the Axel itself sticks out further than the stock dana and the driveshaft is then too long. You have to have some room for yoke slip so you dont break the tail housing on the transmission. I think its more important to have it aligned with the leaf springs than symmetry with the wheel arches.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JohnnywithaHEMI,

Ok, cut the drive line on a QC? or move the diff? What about the brakes? How about the shock mounts? What about the stabiliser?

shock mounts are the same, stabaliser is a stock piece on an srt10 im not too sure. Mine came with brakes. if not you have to buy the caliper mounts from inertia.

Ok, problem was the pinion bearing cage broke, so they replaced all the bearings.