[Archaea]

I think Sharkster had this problem last year, but the thread just ended. The picture attached is his, but I had the same pieces in my pumpkin when I changed the oil in it. There's no noise or any other issues, it was just routine maintenance until I noticed these pieces.

I figure, oh well, just put the cover back on and run it til it dies. Now I'm wondering if there is some way to avoid the inevitable. We just bought a pop-up camper and are going to be pulling it all over the place camping with the kids, etc. so I figure I want to get this fixed before it becomes a real problem. (It weighs about 2,500 lbs)

For starters, I need to figure out what these darn pieces of metal are:

(Its a 2002 RAM 1500 Quadcab SLT, 4.7L, Auto trans, 2WD, with 101k miles. Runs like brand new!)

 

[snrusnak]

When you had the cover off could you see where they might have come from?

 

[Archaea]

Couldn't tell

I looked around in there but could not see where anything seemed to be missing. Of course this is the first time that I have ever even seen the inside of a diff so what do I know? Someone with more experience would have probably been able to tell.

 

[bigdaddyII]

Some of those look like that clutch pack retainers for the LSD. They are only used during installation and are fairly well known for breaking apart and causing all sorts of havoc with the rear end. Most people find them when they change the fluid, and opt to replace the stock diff with a Detroit true trac or Auburn system. There are a few people though who have experienced catastrophic failure in which the rear end locked up and tore up the transmission too or twisted the drive shaft in half, usually in this scenario you tear up the axle at best. Do a google search on "c clips" and various links will come up explaining it further, I would post links this forum doesnt allow posting of outside links.

 

[Archaea]

Did I buy the right part (Auburn diff 542070)

Hi, All. Thanks for the responses. So, I ordered a 9.25 Auburn to replace the junk in my rear right now. There is also a bearing kit that I am going to get- do it all at once.

My question is this: Is the Auburn diff (part no. 542070) all that I need to take care of this clutch pack retainer clip problem? Where are these clips falling from anyway? I have attached a picture of what I bought (am having someone else install it).

This is nearly $500 for the part and $400 for the labor so I just want to make sure it is what I need and ALL I need.

Thanks for your help!

(2002 Dodge RAM, 4.7L, QC, 2WD, 101k all original)