2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Broke rear end

[CWebster]

Was trying to unstick a stuck 5th wheel and something broke in the rear end. The driveshaft will turn, but nothing after it. This just happened and I wanted to get some opinions or suggestions so I could shorten my "learning curve". Ring gear? Pinion? Any tips, suggestions, or wisdom would be greatly appreciated. If there is anything aftermarket that will increase the capacity, I would be interested in that also. Thanks again



Chris:{ :{

 

[DToy]

Sounds like pinion most likely to me.

 

[IWeiny]

Don't know about the '00 but the '99's 2500's have a weaker pinion than a stock Dana 70...



This worries me about the 2500's...



Don't know if you can upgrade the pinion or if the housing is somehow different...

 

[WestTN]

It could be an axle shaft. They're pretty strong, but a flaw is always possible.

 

[RACE427]

Axle

I would bet that you snapped one or both axle shafts. Hey, I was able to do that, snap both axle shafts in my 96 GMC Suburban 2500 with a stock small block chevy. It is not that difficult to do. Oops, did I say that?



Pull the axles first, bet you find your problem!! Good luck! It is not going to be cheap

 

[Ian]

Front wheel drive

If this happens, is it safe to use four wheel drive to get home for repairs or should one call a tow truck?

Thanks.

 

[San Felipe Bob]

C WEB

Here's what I would do.

I have thought this thru for some time anticipating my rear ends demise.



First

remove the rear cover for inspection.

You need to find out what broke.

If you broke an axle just remove the axle and use duct tape to cover the hole in the hub. You may want to stuff a rag in it first?



put in 4 high and limp home.



If you broke the pinon .

Remove the pieces of gears and limp home, 25 mph, no load,50 miles max distance.



If you broke the spiders . Remove them and follow the limp home directions above.

Good Luck



SFB



P. S. if you can remove the back half of your drive shaft from the center carrier rearward ,you can then remove both axles , covertthe hubs and drive home in 4 high.

JUST REMEMBER THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WILL BE TURNING IN 4 HIGH.

 

[CWebster]

Thanks for the replys. I'm hoping that is just a pinion and not an axle shaft. I won't be able to get into it until this weekend, so that means a couple of more days without the Dodge. At 142,000 miles pulling heavy loads of steel all of the time, I guess I'm not too disappointed, but it sure surprised me. Anybody have any suggestions as far as increasing strength/durability? I would think that sledpullers might have addressed this issue, but maybe I've just had a freak thing happpen. Appreciate all of the help.



Chris Webster:{

 

[WadePatton]

Re: Front wheel drive

I broke the spider gear in aford once and dropped the driveshaft and drove it home on the front axle.



I wouldn't want to try it with the driveshaft hooked up--broken things might get stirred about and cause more damage. And if it is an axle that broke, you'd better take it easy--the bearing/retainer might be all that is holding it in.

Originally posted by Ian

If this happens, is it safe to use four wheel drive to get home for repairs or should one call a tow truck?

Thanks.

 

[B.G. Smith]

" I'm hoping that is just a pinion and not an axle shaft. " [/B][/QUOTE] You should hope it is an axle, if it's the pinion you are looking at big bucks. My diff. had to be rebuilt while under warranty, over two grand for the gears and bearings. bg

 

[CWebster]

Pricing that I am getting is



Ring and pinion, bearings, seals, etc. $380



Axle shafts (2) $204



Labor is free.



Just to double check, the axle shafts I have been spec'd are: 32 spline, 36. 71" in length for a Dana 70 U full floater Dana part #43811-12. Does this sound correct? TIA



Chris Webster

 

[Extreme1]

I'd check around salvage yards for a used Dana 80. If you gotta spend the money, fix it right once.

 

[CWebster]

I'm all for upgrading to a Dana 80, but will it be an easy swap? I wouldn't want to get into a mess. I think I've read of a couple of guys doing it here, but I don't remember what they had to say about it. Would definitely be interested in hearing some experiences.



Thanks

Chris Webster

 

[CWebster]

Diagnosis

Well, got the cover off... . no metal chunks, no metal shavings, looked pretty good. Put the transmission in neutral and rotated the driveshaft, pinion and ring gear turned like normal... . no tires turning though. Looks like the passenger side axle might be the culprit. It was slid left,all the way over to the spider hub, which means that it has broke somewhere, otherwise it couldn't slide to the drivers side, correct? I will get it up in the air this weekend and see how my drivers side axle looks. This makes me feel a little better because I believe that fixing the axles will be easier than the ring and pinion, plus cheaper ($102/ axle shaft). Any suggestions or experiences swapping them out would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks

Chris Webster

 

[B.G. Smith]

Axle

Have not changed one on this diff. but have on others. Just unbolt the axle flange and pull the stub out, I have fished the broken piece out with a wire loop or a good magnet, probably need a magnet anyway to make sure no chips are left in the housing. You should not have to pull the hub and it should not have to be jacked up to remove the axle. bg