4:44 rear end noise

[zzollwalk]

It's been a while since I checked in here on this forum, but I wanted to see if anyone else is having this issue..I have a 2018 5500 Larimie that I pull my flat bed trailer and car hauler with. I special ordered this truck with the 4:44 rear ratio (hoping it would improve with pulling power)..Foot note: my 2016 Ram 3500 runs circles around this truck..anyway, when I'm loaded and go around corners the rear end sounds like it's coming all apart...Ram continues to say this is normal however my 2016 4:10 ratio did the same thing until I upgraded it to the Eaton True Track rear assy and that all but eliminated any noise on launch..why hasn't Ram solved this issue yet???

 

[Wiredawg]

My 5500 doesn't sound like it's coming apart, but the rear end does chatter when I'm turning. interesting. I guess if we added friction modifier it could void the warranty if there was an issue. Not supposed to need it when the synthetic gear oil is used. I'll check with my service tech, he's pretty good, and let you know what he says. Cheers, Ron

 

[Cummins12V98]

Quit using the Mopar fluid!

Change to a quality Synthetic GL.

Mine grabbed while towing heavy starting at 20k.

 

[zzollwalk]

Thanks for that..two of friends have simular trucks and hear the same thing..I will update when the warranty is up as well as delete this weak truck..

 

[gsbrockman]

Thanks for that..two of friends have simular trucks and hear the same thing..I will update when the warranty is up as well as our .this weak truck up..

What amount of miles are on the truck, and what amount of time/miles are on the fluid in the rear axle?

I foolishly serviced my rear at about 22k miles.....fluid looked great and had no issues. I’m at about 67k miles now, and, based on the chatter, it’s about time for some more new fluid.

 

[zzollwalk]

This truck has only 18k on it .

 

[Newsa]

Friction modifier won't void your powertrain warranty.

 

[kthaxton]

Agreed, friction modifier, though not needed, certainly wouldn't void a warranty, it actually makes lube more slippery.

 

[Wiredawg]

ZZOLWALK,

I have the same truck as you except I have 4:88s (Max Tow) which does great for me. You mentioned you weren't happy with the performance of your 5500; did you know it has lower HP(325) and TQ (750) than the P/Us which 3500 has 385 HP and 930 TQ. And the 5500s are heavier than the P/Us: mine weighs almost 12K lbs with me, the wife, dog and 112 gals diesel. The engines are different too... I think different cams: the C&Cs hit max HP at 2400 RPM and the PUs hit it at 2900 RPM.

I had a 2009 4500 with 4:44s I deleted and ran a Smarty on...395HP and 785 TQ. Waking it up made the difference AND I got the same mileage driving with that extra power. It was the perfect tow machine, except it was only rated 26K GCVWR and I was 34K GCVW. Didn't want to be a victim of a civil law suit if in a wreck, so got the 2017 5500.

Not intending to hijack the thread, but thought since you mentioned it, I throw it out there. I'm happy with the power on mine, but I'm only about 34K Lbs and I'm guessing you're grossing way over that.

Cheers, Ron