Rear end finally let go

[rscurtis]

The paint isn't burning off the covers- the oil would have turned into a solid mass at that temperature. It's the lousy paint applied at the factory that's the problem. IMO, one of the best things you can do with a new truck is pull all the wheels and paint the axles and driveshafts the way they should have been done to start with.

 

[ColemanR]

At that mileage I would inspect all the gears (Ring & Pinion,Side Gears, Helical Gears) if all look good and spec out, I would install New Carrier Bearings,Pinion Bearing and Hub Bearings and run another 400k plus (Hopefully) if even 1 of the bearings fail it will most likely take the entire Diff with it.



Another area of concern is the CP3 with that Mileage,If the unit has not been inspected and a new seal kit install,I would make it a priority, Generally the shaft seals will not last much more then 400k without leaking (300k is safe) if they fail completely you will fill your crank case up with fuel in minutes without no warning.

Thanks TC I actually have a spare rearend to put in with 9k on it I've been waiting for noise or debree in the cover may just change it. My CP3 has about 315k on it as I lost the motor at about 160k (bad injector,burnt piston) so that is good to know. What are you looking for on inspection of the pump? Loose,leak is this something I can do or somebody that knows what they are doing? LOL Again Thanks TC

 

[NIsaacs]

Yes, I agree the paint is probably low temp and of poor quality, however I find it unusual if Dodge changed paint with the axle change, the Dana's did not seem to have the peeling. Do 1/2 tons loose the paint or the heavy duty gassers? It must be heat related because the rest of the axle doesn't peel, just the cover. Just wondered.



Nick

 

[jhenderson]

Dodge doesn't paint the housings, AAM does.

 

[rashwor]

Also, stamped steel cover vs cast housing... it is a paint / prep issue.

 

[EB]

Just made the same run as when I lost my rear end. About 2300 miles with much better results. Left early Wed. and got back about the middle of the afternoon today. No problems at all. Believe I will get one of those PML differential covers. Holds a little more oil and will make changing the oil much easier. On a cab and chassis it is a pain to change the oil because of where the fuel tank and sway bar is located. I'm going to call the rear end fixed. I was told that there are complete rebuilt rear ends available for around $3500, take the old one out put the rebuilt one in. Would eliminate the problem of the junk that mpaulson is having. The rebuilt is stripped and brushes are run through it from one side to the other. New axles, bearing, gears, ect. That is the way I would have gone if I knew it was available. I've changed the oil once and didn't see very much as far as flakes go, and no chunks at all. Will change it again when I get the new cover in.

 

[Bob4x4]

Yes, I agree the paint is probably low temp and of poor quality, however I find it unusual if Dodge changed paint with the axle change, the Dana's did not seem to have the peeling. Do 1/2 tons loose the paint or the heavy duty gassers? It must be heat related because the rest of the axle doesn't peel, just the cover. Just wondered.



Nick

From all the trucks I have seen I believe the covers had rust on them before being painted

 

[HBarlow]

Just made the same run as when I lost my rear end. About 2300 miles with much better results. Left early Wed. and got back about the middle of the afternoon today. No problems at all. Believe I will get one of those PML differential covers. Holds a little more oil and will make changing the oil much easier. On a cab and chassis it is a pain to change the oil because of where the fuel tank and sway bar is located. I'm going to call the rear end fixed. I was told that there are complete rebuilt rear ends available for around $3500, take the old one out put the rebuilt one in. Would eliminate the problem of the junk that mpaulson is having. The rebuilt is stripped and brushes are run through it from one side to the other. New axles, bearing, gears, ect. That is the way I would have gone if I knew it was available. I've changed the oil once and didn't see very much as far as flakes go, and no chunks at all. Will change it again when I get the new cover in.

EB,

You'll appreciate the PML cover. The after market differential cover is a big help on a C&C. Mine has had a Mag-Hytec installed since the day after I drove it home from the dealer.

 

[NavyDood]

I am running the regular Amsoil synthetic 75w-90 in my truck in sig with 3:73 gears. When I was towing my 5vr back in Aug from MD to TX (20K combined) the highest temp I saw was 184°F using a infrared gun on the diff cover immediately after stopping for fuel. Those temps where in AR and TX with outside temps of 106°F.

 

[ENafziger]

My rear-end always stays at < 200° with the Maghytec and Amsoil 85/110... except on LONG trips towing where I have seen temps approaching 215°.

The front differential always was lower by 20° or so at least. Since the Dynatrac manual locking hubs, I don't even register anything on the 100° min gauge.

--Eric

 

[mpaulson]

Seems odd that the front diff would be that hot for doing nothing other than spinning, no major friction like the rear.