Archived Trashed Dana 70

[tgrfan2]

I had my 98 2500 with 85K in to the dealer to check a rear end noise. The tech pullled it down after saying he was sure it was a carrier or pinion bearing. Sure enough the driver's side carrier has gone out and turned the race ruining the housing. The estimate is $2975. 00 including tax. Checked with another dealer and the assembly is $3600 plus labor!

I hope no one else has had this problem, but does this sound about right. The housing alone is $1400.

Thank goodness the ring and pinion are OK.

The tech said that the Dodge has the shims on the outside whereas the GM Dana has the shims between the bearing and housing so usually they only tear up the shims.

He said both tear up quite frequently.

My advice is stop if you hear the slightest noise or see any sign of metal on a service and have it checked.

 

[Makensmoke]

I had mine in at 80k for a vibration. Ended up replacing one side bearing. Don't remember which one. They told me to be faithfull about changing the diff. fluid for the torque eats it up. Good thing for extended warranty!

 

[MidwestMotorman]

I would spring three or four hundred bucks for a good used one if I was out of warranty. If spending the $$$ for a new one, I would go with a disc brake rear and have it over with. Does anyone know if the AA rear ends from the 3Gs will work in the older rigs?

 

[baby.driver]

What oil were you running?

 

[Bob4x4]

Unitrax in Anaheim Ca has made a tool to repair these housings in the vehicle. Save you a ton of money.



Bob

 

[tgrfan2]

Thanks for the info. I did not have any luck on finding a used one. We have had bad weather here and that may have slowed the search. I even told them I didn't care what ratio or if it were LS. I used the Chrysler 75-90 and friction modifier. There was no sign of the bearings overheating. Even the turned race was still normal looking as far as the color. I am going to switch to Castrol 75-140 when it is rebuilt. I am going to check on the tool, but it may be too late since I told the dealer to order the housing Friday morning. I also checked with several rebuilders including Jasper. Jasper wanted about $1800 and would have to rebuild my differential. They said they could not say if they could repair the housing without looking at it. Considering the lack of response on the used Dana's and the lack of availability at rebuilders, I have a feeling there are a fair number being trashed like mine. I talked to Sam on his radio show yesterday and he said it sounded like the carrier bearings were not torqued properly for the race to turn. All I know is my 95 has pulled the camper more at higher speeds and with more load on the rear of the truck and is still going strong at 185K.

 

[Bob4x4]

The 75/90 was never intended to be used for heavy towing or high speed driving. Your owners manual will recommend 85/140 synthetic for towing,02 owners have been receiving letters from D/C reminding them of this warning.

I think Sam should rethink his reason for your failure. If it had been a lack of torque,you would never have made it to 185k. The torque you are putting through those little bearings is just too much.



Bob

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Bob4x4---It was his 98 with 85k that trashed the rear, and his 95 with 185k was going good.



I think the 98s had quite a few problems with the rear diffs. I personally know of several with problems. It will make me check out my 99.

 

[Roger rodbolt]

tgrfan2,

There are plenty of used axles assembly's out there and at the repair prices you are being quoted the freight on a used axle will not be an issue. Convert to a Dana 80 if you think the 70 is to light, good luck. Larry

 

[tgrfan2]

Thanks for getting Bob 4x4 on the right track. My owners manual for the 98 says nothing about any fluid for the Dana 70 except SAE 90 meeting API GL-5 and 5% additive. The dealer said they used 75-90 and that is what I used on the last change. I definitely agree that there is a problem with the Dana 70's on some trucks. A friend with a 97 or 98 Chevy 454 had to have his replaced before the 36K warranty ran out. My Y2K work truck had a seal go at 56k. As for as this BS about high speed and big loads, I used to pull cattle from Texas to SC with a D150 pulling a gooseneck that weighed two tons more than my camper and put at least as much load on the rear axle. We would go there and back in three days stopping only for gas on the return trip and average 70mph+. It ran for 140k without so much as a seal leak and I never serviced it.