Rear Axle Assembly

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leahcspencer

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I just found out i need a new rear axle assembly for my 2009 1500. Should i buy it new, used, or rebuild my existing one?
any advice?
 

GTyankee

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If it is just the spider gears that are chewed up
Switch them out for Limited Slip

If it is just the wheel bearings, get new ones

If it is the Pinion Gear bearing, replace it

If its Ring Gear wear or broken teeth, there may also be damage to the Pinion Gear Teeth

$$
& then consider if your gear ratio is best for your needs
 

Jeepwalker

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1) A lot of 'mainstream' repair shops may scratch their heads at the idea of rebuilding a rear axle, esp if it requires setting up gears. That would require expertise their shop may or may not have ...to do it 'right'. Getting the gears 'right' requires skill and expertise that most repair shops don't possess. But if your shop can do it, or it's a dealership, then at least you end up with new parts, which is a bonus. Problem is, it can be labor-intensive to set up a rear differential depending on what it actually needs (the big question here). Ask what warranty they would offer ..if any at all.

2) A slight spin on option one: If you live in a larger metropolitan area, there are usually specialized 'driveline' shops which about all they do is re-do differentials and driveshafts. That is their specialty. They can do them quickly and efficiently. And they have the right expertise to do them right (remember I mentioned it is specialized skill to do it right?). You may consider searching and maybe you can have your truck towed to a shop like this, if you have one in your area and it makes financial sense.

3) Sometimes it's cheaper to buy the whole (used) rear Differential assembly, if you can find a fairly low mile unit. Generally it shows up to the dealer/shop on a pallet (from the salvage yard) ...and then it's a fairly straight-forward swap-over with the used unit. You pay more for the differential up front, but the labor cost to replace a complete assembly could be less. Again, it depends on what exactly they're saying your rear differential needs.

So a lot depends on what the current issues are -- how much they have to replace on your existing rear differential. You may want to have them price it out to you both ways (used and they rebuild yours) and see how things stack up money-wise.

BTW, what was occurring that made you decide to take it to the repair shop? Noises/grinding/etc?
 
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CamperMike

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I am with the others here... my other car is a 2005 mustang gt. The rear end was very noisy and I had a shop look at it. The wanted to install a used axle assembly for like $2500. I didn't like that option so I found a transmission and driveline shop that was capable of rebuilding it. They replaced all the bearings and it cost me around $1200. Way better than a used one that i have no history on... at twice the price.
 

Mister Luck

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Texas should have a few salvage yards but that being said a lot of phone calls searching for the correct parts can be frustrating but anyone you take your vehicle to will undoubtedly use salvaged parts .

Find someone local whom is rated with BBB or AAA
or just call around to local parts stores and talk to mangers.

Eventually you’ll find some one you feel isn’t dishonest and at least reasonable.

If you vehicle is at home look for a mobile mechanic.
 

JPT

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Rebuild unless there is damage to the housing that cannot easily be repaired. Find a local gear shop (they probably do all the race cars in the area) and have them do the rebuild (even if the damage isn't to the gears).

If you have any gear damage, spider gears, now's the time to consider a gear driven limited slip swap and/or gear change.
 

GTyankee

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I live in an area with a load of Off Road vehicles & thousands of of show vehicles

A shop like this is always busy

M.I.T. means Mechanically Inclined Technicians


This is one of those shops that has tons of New Old Stock
mostly differential & manual transmission parts
They only sell parts

 

Dusty

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I just found out i need a new rear axle assembly for my 2009 1500. Should i buy it new, used, or rebuild my existing one?
any advice?
You've received some very good advice here and Jeepwalker pretty much spelled it out correctly.

My only comment: because of your vehicles age I don't think you will find a factory new unit available.

It would be much to your advantage if you got back to us and let us know what the failure or symptom was.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 3 June 2018. Now at 70140miles
 

Burla

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I just found out i need a new rear axle assembly for my 2009 1500. Should i buy it new, used, or rebuild my existing one?
any advice?
2wd or 4wd? Do you know gear ratio? If it is 3.55 as many of those 2009's, with your particular transmission the 545rfe, it is a perfect time to move to 3.92. If it is 4wd, you have to do both axles with new gears. That year had a tsb/recall on the gears, I'm not sure if the dealer would be held liable at this point or not. It is worth a try to go at them over this, try and guilt them into a fix or partial payment, but if it were me I'd move to 3.92' gears. It is better for the 545 rfe specifically. If you had a 65rfe, my recommendation might be different, but our 545rfe's have a lot of low rpm issues that can effect gears, transmission and engine. Moving to 3.92's fix a lot of this. If you have to pay for new gears anyway, why not upgrade?
 

TomB 1269

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I would assume at that age detonated the ring and pinon due to low gear oil and high speed prolonged driving.
Having dealt with this issue several years ago on a different brand truck, usually the most cost effective is a junk yard axle. We could not due to axle housing being specific to the truck (factory lowered Sonoma w/ ZQ8 suspension). The rebuild took some time and we ran in to other issues due mostly to miss handling of drive shaft.

Be ready to replace u-joint in the drive shaft as well.

However, if its just a matter of outer seal and bearings those can be done with out ring and pinion removal, so repair would be the way to go.

PS, if you go used have them change the outer seals when the pull cover to inspect and "service" rear end i.e. put in new gear oil.
 

Dusty

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2wd or 4wd? Do you know gear ratio? If it is 3.55 as many of those 2009's, with your particular transmission the 545rfe, it is a perfect time to move to 3.92. If it is 4wd, you have to do both axles with new gears. That year had a tsb/recall on the gears, I'm not sure if the dealer would be held liable at this point or not. It is worth a try to go at them over this, try and guilt them into a fix or partial payment, but if it were me I'd move to 3.92' gears. It is better for the 545 rfe specifically. If you had a 65rfe, my recommendation might be different, but our 545rfe's have a lot of low rpm issues that can effect gears, transmission and engine. Moving to 3.92's fix a lot of this. If you have to pay for new gears anyway, why not upgrade?
I believe the TSB you are referring to was for a loose pinion nut? If the vehicle did not receive the retrofit, I would think the OP might have a claim.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 3 June 2018. Now at 70140miles
 

Burla

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Yes, pinion nut. I had mine done way back 10 years now. I'm not sure how long a dealer would be responsible, worth a try for sure.
 
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