Hi,
My 2003 Dakota 2-wheel drive is experiencing what seems like excessive rear end lash. The truck has about freeway 86k miles and every time I drive in first gear (5-speed, v6), the truck clunks loudly on accelleration and decelleration. That is to say while driving slowly in first gear, the truck seems to buck back and forth. When up shifting, clunking noises come from the rear. the pinion seal is also leaking.

Is this common for a Dakota with this milage to wear out the rear end so fast?

Thanks in advance for any info,
Warren

its not really normal, under normal driving conditions, but because the low gears are used the most it dosen't surprise me.
it sounds actually like a tranny problem as well as the diff. you're probalbly gonna need to get to a shop to get an official verdict, but it sounds like a major issue is ready to rear it head.

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Thanks for the reply.

I took it to a shop today and thought the spider gears were worn.
They recommended replacing the carrier with a posi unit.
I didn't really want to spend that kind of money as I just purchased this truck used, however, I don't think I have much choice.

Any thoughts on a posi rear end for the 3.9 engine?

thanks ,
Warren

better traction, will most likely last longer and perform better than a OEM replace

I don't have much experience with axles

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