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Durango2001

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I just noticed a puddle underneath my truck today. It is coming from the rear differential pinion seal. What type of differential does my truck have? Also what type of fluid should I be using? It's a 4X4. What size is the ring gear on the diff? I need this info so I can order the correct pinion seal.
 
Don't forget the limited slip additive, if so equipped. If not known whether you have lsd you can look on the driver's side of the rear axle tube behind the axle flange for a white stripe which indicates you have lsd.
 
If you aren't sure, it is safe to add the limited slip additive even if you don't have LSD

Here's what the 8-1/4 and (unlabeled) 9-1/4 look like.
 

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When you pull the diff cover, the cover tends to dimple at the bolt holes sometimes. Take a small hammer and flatten those dimples back out for a better seal and no cover leaks after re-assembly. You only need RTV silicone to seal the cover, no other gasket required. That's how it was sealed from the factory.
 
Discussion starter · #6 · (Edited)
I just looked at the differential cover. There are twelve bolts. I also found the tag on the drivers side axle. It says it's a 9.25 Dana. How do I know if it is a Posi or Non-Posi rear end? Also can I replace the pinion seal by myself? I don't have the money to take it to a qualified mechanic to have it done. Does anyone know of any videos as to how to replace the pinion seal. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank You.
 
Rear pinion seal is not something to be tackled at home without the proper tools... and the experience to set the proper pinion bearing preload. You mess up the preload, your gears will be toast.
 
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I just looked at the differential cover. There are twelve bolts. I also found the tag on the drivers side axle. It says it's a 9.25 Dana. How do I know if it is a Posi or Non-Posi rear end? Also can I replace the pinion seal by myself? I don't have the money to take it to a qualified mechanic to have it done. Does anyone know of any videos as to how to replace the pinion seal. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank You.
Go to the Dodge website under contact us. Type in your VIN and your build sheet will pop up. If the sheet says LD for the rear diff, you do not have the limited slip.
 
See previous post regarding limited slip additive.
 
When I had the front pinion seal replaced by a well-regarded local independent shop, they overtorqued the yoke bolt and thus changed the setting of the collapsible spacer. Whined like crazy. This eventually helped my decision to trade it in.

Talking with my brother-in-law the Ford mechanic, he says that at least on Fords with the same collapsible-spacer setup a mechanic that has done this job a lot can get it right every time - without doing the long song-and-dance of measuring the free-turning torque etc.. but mechanics that set their impact gun to 11 and then just crank on the yoke bolt always screw it up.
 
Dana I believe means limited slip..

Yes Tom, repair manual shows you first need to measure the rotational tq so you know how much to tighten. I step I believe most mechanics skip resulting in burned out bearings in a short time period.
Its a pretty easy step so not sure why its skipped. Better to be on the loose side of things than the tight side with this job.
 
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