Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Diff chatter while turning

[pausma]

I have been experiencing a differential chatter on my 01 2500. It only happens while turning and is worse with a load on, especially when towing. It started about 5,000 miles ago and has gradually become more of an issue. The truck only has 110,000 miles on and the fluid was changed about 2,500 miles ago so I don't believe that is an issue. The local transmission shop drove it and inspected it on the hoist but couldn't find any issues. Any ideas on whats wrong?

 

[SAndreasen]

Did you add limited slip additive to the oil when you changed oil ?

 

[JR]

If the proper fluid was added its likely the clutches in the rear diff. Either gummed up from lack of maintenance/wrong fluid or simply worn out. At your mileage they definitely should not be worn out. Ive had luck spraying the clutch packs down with liberal amounts of brake clean and blowing them out with compressed air. Its far from a guaranteed fix and should be removed the the axle housing to keep the contaminants out.
The clutches are relatively cheap (about $70), so some would rather change them out if theyre going to get that far into it.

 

[pausma]

Forgot to mention that its a posi-lock diff and not a lsd if that makes a difference.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Sandreason asked if limited slip additive was used or not. Was it? Did you have a "posi" installed? They come factory with a clutch type limited slip.

 

[pausma]

I did not have the posi installed, all factory components, i guess it just seemed like a posi differential whenever it would slip. And no limited slip additive was used.

 

[klcammie]

Do like Sanderson said put some limited slip add. in chatter should go away.

 

[Tractorat]

I just cant imagine a dealer ordering a new 4x4 truck from the factory that did not have limited slip. Add the additive.

 

[RustyJC]

Don't add too much additive or you'll render your limited slip differential's clutch pack useless. You want just enough to eliminate the chatter when turning. Add some, do some figure 8s to get the additive into the clutch pack, and repeat until the chatter stops. At that point, do not add any more.

Rusty