Clunk in rear diff

[DShehi]

My 2003 3500 srw HO 4x4 quad cab auto has around 27,000 miles on it. About six months ago it developed a clunk in the rear diff, only may happen 6-8 times in 300 miles. When it does happen, it's on a light pull, empty or loaded, and the auto shifts. Est in the 30-40 mph range. It's been to the dealer several times, last time the factrory rep gave this excuss.



"talked to the mopar rep and axle play like this is normal. Axle pinion to driven gear need the lash for heavy hauling"



How come it did not need this play for the first three years? Why did it not come from the factory this way?



Has anyone else experienced this problem? Comments?



Don Shehi

Camp Verde, Az

 

[MillerR]

Take a good look at your far rear U-joint. When my '03 started clunking, it was internittent at first. I started noticing it under a light load, accelerating and/or when I shifted into reverse. When I finally started looking, I found one yoke had a chunk of metal missing and the bearings were non-existant. Vancouver Dodge replaced the whole rear drive-shaft with no questions. This was at 45k. I just replaced the rear U-Joint again at 90k. -Trey

 

[HOBrian]

My clunk was the the u-joint at the diff. I thought the clunking was normal until I started to get a bad vibration.

 

[lethal injection]

yup my gasser ram was the same way when the u joint was on its way out