'06 3500 Rear End Pains

[dmlappert]

Bought my used '06 3500 5. 9L one year ago... everything checked, it's a beast and running strong at 135k mi. Here comes my pain... Didn't realize that the previous owner rerouted the rear differential's vent line down to and parallel with the rear axle. Since I'm one for towing and launching my boat, that was last summer, I need to often back down into the water up to the rear axle. . 3 weeks ago, after a two hour highway drive, I parked. Backing up to leave it felt like the rear end was locking up. Continued the drive, and the return home. Once home I had the differential, both front and rear serviced. Seems that water made it's way into the rear diff. Now I'm getting a felt knock when backing up and last night, two weeks after the service, the brake and ABS lights are on, and stay on. From what I've read so far, seems like I'm in for a new complete rear end. Before I invest the big bucks... your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JBallou]

Take the cover off and inspect the gears. Report back your findings, or pictures.

 

[dmlappert]

Well perhaps the differential isn't (yet) the problem after all. Code indicates that the issue is the driver side front wheel bearing... Costly yes. . as bad as the rear differential, not.