Rear differential pinion seal started leaking, checked rear differential fluid, was ok. Sometime later leak worsened. Checked fluid again and was full of metal, r&r rear cover and found limited slip clutch retainer rings failed. Cleaned out differential, reinstalled rear cover and put in new lube. Truck is parked and used only if necessary. I don't have time or place to repair right now. Appears this is common problem 2002 through 2004 and and there is a updated or heavier clip to replace older one. Chrysler corp should be made to stand behind this product defect!!!

My 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab was once my dream pick-up truck, It happened all of a sudden when I was driving to work. The rear end simply began to sing, whine, whirr, and make the worst sounds. I immediately stopped driving the truck, and began to look for answers. The rear end has since leaked as much fluid as possible on the drive each day. I am completely upset and disappointed at the fact that other model year Dodge Rams have the same complaint, and those vehicles have been recalled, and the rear end issues have been corrected. I want the same, fair and ethical treatment, and I want my truck back on the road again.

Was on my back to indiana from florida when the rear end started whining. I thought it was my transmission at first, but I was told by a shop that it was the pinion bearing. limped it home, and yes it was the pinion bearing. had the whole rear end rebuilt due to all seals were leaking and u-joints bad.

Update from Jun 7, 2015: after differential rebuild, now while turning from a stop (forward or reverse) there is a grinding coming from the rear end. sounds like the gears aren't meshing like they should. was told it could possibly be the parking brake because after they get old, the fall apart.

Replaced Rear Differential on the Dodge Ram 1500. Recommend Service every 12,000 miles on the Differentials and make sure you are putting limited slip Differential fluid in the rear end along with the additive needed to properly lubd. DO NOT MISS SERVICE ON THE DIFFERENTIAL or you will have a $3,000.00 Bill. Also if you can buy a new Differential cover after market that helps cool the oil in the differential. Thsi will also help. Differential Cover with Fins and over sized. You can do the same to the Transmission as well, recommend it if you want you truck to last for ever.

I cannot stress enough to have you car service as much as you can and always ask questions make sure when you leave the service department YOU UNDERSTAND, dont let them control anything you make them explain what you need and why. SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE...

At 7,000 miles, the differential was leaking. I had the seal replaced; less than a year later, at about 37,000 miles, the grinding from the rear end was loud enough I had it checked out. There was some wear, the parts were replaced, and I went on my way. Within 2 weeks, the drive train dropped to the ground in rush-hour traffic (everyone's nightmare!). One of the new parts was defective, and it was replaced. Within the next week, there was a gear noise. The new parts had "an unusual wear pattern," and the entire differential was rebuilt. Now, less than 4,000 miles later, The grinding has returned. I have not yet had it diagnosed, although I know it's in the differential. I will continue to have it repaired until the warranty runs out @ 75,000 miles or I get rid of it.