Posted By: craigerlitz
Identify piece from 03 Dakota rear differential - 04/01/18 04:12 PM
Hello everyone. Yesterday I was replacing axle bearings and seals in a 2003 Dakota. I found a broken piece of metal on the bottom of the case. It was the only piece found. Can anyone identify it? Is it anything to worry about?
Thanks,
Craig
Posted By: ruderunner
Re: Identify piece from 03 Dakota rear differential - 04/01/18 04:29 PM
I think it's part of a limited slip spring.
Posted By: gtx6970
Re: Identify piece from 03 Dakota rear differential - 04/01/18 04:55 PM
Yep.
Holds clutch disc in place.
Posted By: craigerlitz
Re: Identify piece from 03 Dakota rear differential - 04/01/18 05:21 PM
Thanks. Is the truck safe to drive as is?
Posted By: gtx6970
Re: Identify piece from 03 Dakota rear differential - 04/01/18 07:42 PM
Thanks. Is the truck safe to drive as is?
probably be ok.
But plan to fix it at some point ( discs rattle in the case if its not there )
Posted By: CKessel
Re: Identify piece from 03 Dakota rear differential - 04/02/18 05:47 AM
Thats one of the retainers for the clutch discs in the lsd unit. You need to check the diff housing by the carrier bearing cap as if thats busted off, the housing has been gouged out too and you may need a new diff housing or assembly. At the minimum, you need another carrier assembly since that retainer is n/a separately.
Posted By: craigerlitz
Re: Identify piece from 03 Dakota rear differential - 04/02/18 06:24 PM
Thanks, I'll be sure to check diff housing. Just need to wait for warmer weather.
Posted By: wingman
Re: Identify piece from 03 Dakota rear differential - 04/02/18 07:21 PM
Here's a pic from the FSM for ya...
Posted By: sthemi
Re: Identify piece from 03 Dakota rear differential - 04/04/18 06:40 AM
here is the long term results
required new housing and gears and power loc...01 ram 1500