2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear Differential Leak ???

[chazj]

On my 02 Ram Dodge completely rebuilt the Dana 80 LS rearend at 53K miles... fortunately under warrenty.



Now at 120K, I notice the front on the differential is covered with oil... although it looks "old". The truck has been regularly serviced & fluid levels checked at Dodge... always given the "green light" (as recently as 1000 miles ago). No mention of what I am looking at.



Is it 1) possible that the oil I am seeing is from the time of the rebuilt... almost 3 yrs ago? 2)If it's (hopefully) ONLY the seal this time... should I expect this type of problem to re-occur on a regular basis?



I thought the Dana 80 was a reliable rearend... but am starting to have my doubts.



Appreciate any thoughts on this matter.

 

[wcjp]

Have you checked the vent breathers? They're easily plugged.

 

[EKlem]

I would suggest wiping off the oil that is there and then driving the truck around for a little while. Once you have driven, take a look and see whether any new oil has appeared there. Also, if you are worried, it would be worth checking the level in the differential. If you pull the fill plug in the differential cover, the level should be just below the hole(I just stick a finger in the hole and if the oil is right below it, it is good).



One question, when you say front, do you mean where the driveshaft comes in? If so, you could have a bad seal. Often, if it has gone bad, you will see a ring of oil directly above it on the underside of the bed.

 

[Ragain]

While my '02 was still new, a plastic Wal-Mart bag wrapped around the pinion and burned the pinion seal out allowing a leak. I put a new pinion seal on and no problems over 300,000 mi. later. They are a good rearend! I can't see ANY evidence of wear on the ring/pinion gears after all the pulling I've done.