Mysterious metal in rear differential

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TX12

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5.2 L Magnum V8
Recently acquired a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 and wanted to start all maintenance from square one because I don't know its history. Today I changed the rear differential fluid, and found these little guys stuck to the magnet at the bottom of the case (penny included for scale). :whymewhyme: The guts of the diff looked fine, so I'm confused as to where they came from.

I've driven it nearly 2000 miles since I got it, and it drives just fine. Any one know what they are?
 

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dudeman2009

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I don't know what those are, my only guess would be something from the limited slip clutch pack. I don't recall anything being that thin in there aside from a few pieces, but those are round.

If it works, I wouldn't bother with it.
 

BBRAM2500

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Lsd clutch parts is my guess see if it will spin both tires or just one if its equipped with the lsd and all you do is a 1 wheel peel then you know
 

NickPic83

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Definitely part of the limited slip. Probably part of the discs broken off.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 
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TX12

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Would this mean that my diff will simply function as a standard differential, or is it destined to explode on the freeway? I use the truck to haul firewood and furniture on non-rainy days while driving on paved roads, so a standard differential is all I need.
 

Bill Blackmon

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Those parts are from your clutch packs. Just had to have a new diff installed due to that same issue. If you do not have someone look at the diff and rebuild it one of those pieces could get into the spider gears and would destroy your entire diff. Get a good mechanic to look at it NOW!Also you should have all carrier bearings replaced because you have metal floating all through your rear end.
 

Gr8bawana

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Those parts are from your clutch packs. Just had to have a new diff installed due to that same issue. If you do not have someone look at the diff and rebuild it one of those pieces could get into the spider gears and would destroy your entire diff. Get a good mechanic to look at it NOW!Also you should have all carrier bearings replaced because you have metal floating all through your rear end.
I'm sure he already took care of it since the post is from over 3.5 years ago. :crazy:
 

Bill Blackmon

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Thanks, just posted it in case anyone else had the same problem. We all try to help each other as Ram owners.
 

dexter

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Recently acquired a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 and wanted to start all maintenance from square one because I don't know its history. Today I changed the rear differential fluid, and found these little guys stuck to the magnet at the bottom of the case (penny included for scale). :whymewhyme: The guts of the diff looked fine, so I'm confused as to where they came from.

I've driven it nearly 2000 miles since I got it, and it drives just fine. Any one know what they are?


How did the gear oil look?

How many miles on the truck.
 

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