Its a 2003 Durango that we have had for about 3 months now and put 2000 miles on it.
It is a 4x4 and has the 4.7 liter engine. Has 158,000 miles or so.
When turning a tight turn at low speeds, say in a parking lot, there is a whine from the differential, a varying pitched, oscillating kind of sound. Soon as it straightens out, its gone. Seems to do it more when hot. First start up of the day you can pull around out of the parking spot, and no noise at all.
Perhaps unrelated.....the 4x4 works fine and all, although I never really use it,,,but I have to back up a good bit when switching back to 2wd, or the damn thing acts like it wants to lock up. Someone told me that was normal for the transfer case I have, and its the better one anyway.
So, I figured I should change the differential fluid as a starting point for that whine.
There were no "shavings" but a few chunks. See below:
So, what the heck are these? The largest piece seems as if it may have been conical or tapered in shape when whole. What is my prognosis here? I assume it needs a rebuild at this point, but if I keep driving it what about that? I mean if I hadn't done this job today, I would have kept on going with it.
Sucks. If it totally locks, I figured Id drop the rear drive shaft, put it in 4wd and front wheel drive it on home. LOL! Lordy, I dunno. (I pull a boat with this thing once a week also!)
+
EDIT: Oh yeah the penny was not in there, it is provided for reference only.
Also one of the bolts had a tag on it that said "35" ..is this an ID for the rear?
Any input would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Neil
It is a 4x4 and has the 4.7 liter engine. Has 158,000 miles or so.
When turning a tight turn at low speeds, say in a parking lot, there is a whine from the differential, a varying pitched, oscillating kind of sound. Soon as it straightens out, its gone. Seems to do it more when hot. First start up of the day you can pull around out of the parking spot, and no noise at all.
Perhaps unrelated.....the 4x4 works fine and all, although I never really use it,,,but I have to back up a good bit when switching back to 2wd, or the damn thing acts like it wants to lock up. Someone told me that was normal for the transfer case I have, and its the better one anyway.
So, I figured I should change the differential fluid as a starting point for that whine.
There were no "shavings" but a few chunks. See below:

So, what the heck are these? The largest piece seems as if it may have been conical or tapered in shape when whole. What is my prognosis here? I assume it needs a rebuild at this point, but if I keep driving it what about that? I mean if I hadn't done this job today, I would have kept on going with it.
Sucks. If it totally locks, I figured Id drop the rear drive shaft, put it in 4wd and front wheel drive it on home. LOL! Lordy, I dunno. (I pull a boat with this thing once a week also!)
+
EDIT: Oh yeah the penny was not in there, it is provided for reference only.
Also one of the bolts had a tag on it that said "35" ..is this an ID for the rear?
Any input would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Neil