Belphegor
Junior Member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2014
- Posts
- 25
- Reaction score
- 15
- Ram Year
- 2005
- Engine
- Hemi 5.7
Hey Ram Geeks.
I'm Camden, but online I go by Belphegor.
I proudly own a 2005 Dodge Ram Off-Road Edition 2500 with a 5.7L Hemi. I love my truck, had it since it was brand new. I've kept up with the maintence
as much as can, being an absent minded busy body. I noticed the rear diff was a bit wet underneath, and as we have 120k miles today, I'm currently in the
process of changing the fluid.
First thing I did was brake cleaner/ plastic brush scrub the cover and bolts, and their surrounding areas. Popped off the fill plug (had about an 1/8 inch of shavings
clinging to the magnet inside) and it was obvious we were running low. Broke 12 bottom bolts loose and removed them, loosened top 2 and let flow the stink! Off with
those top 2 bolts and went to work pulling residual fluid from the bottom of the pumpkin and the cover. While whiping down a few of the innards, this is what I found.
Look closely at the first pic and you will see evidence of how thinly the cast iron is being worn. I'm not sure how this little gear box still functions, and to be
honest, I'm not sure of what this little guy houses does. However, this is a very disconcerting sight!
What's happened? Is this normal wear or has my "use and abuse" caused some major damage over time???
1. Is this someting that needs to be addressed immediately?
2. What will happen when this actually locks up like I expect it too?
3. What's the cost and probability that I can acutally remedy something like this myself?
*notes*
I'm less than a novice mechanic, I tend to be more comfortable on the bodywork side, but there isn't much I haven't prepared myself for and accomplished mechanically that was
a first time project.
This truck gets driven about 5-10 miles a day by my wife when she does her errands, and this truck and I are done putting eachother through mud up to our ears. My truck is now
babied, not used as it started out: an enslaved workhorse pushed to it's limits almost weekly.
Any input is very much appreciated! I'm open to any and all comments, and thank you for reading!!!
I'm Camden, but online I go by Belphegor.
I proudly own a 2005 Dodge Ram Off-Road Edition 2500 with a 5.7L Hemi. I love my truck, had it since it was brand new. I've kept up with the maintence
as much as can, being an absent minded busy body. I noticed the rear diff was a bit wet underneath, and as we have 120k miles today, I'm currently in the
process of changing the fluid.
First thing I did was brake cleaner/ plastic brush scrub the cover and bolts, and their surrounding areas. Popped off the fill plug (had about an 1/8 inch of shavings
clinging to the magnet inside) and it was obvious we were running low. Broke 12 bottom bolts loose and removed them, loosened top 2 and let flow the stink! Off with
those top 2 bolts and went to work pulling residual fluid from the bottom of the pumpkin and the cover. While whiping down a few of the innards, this is what I found.
Look closely at the first pic and you will see evidence of how thinly the cast iron is being worn. I'm not sure how this little gear box still functions, and to be
honest, I'm not sure of what this little guy houses does. However, this is a very disconcerting sight!
What's happened? Is this normal wear or has my "use and abuse" caused some major damage over time???
1. Is this someting that needs to be addressed immediately?
2. What will happen when this actually locks up like I expect it too?
3. What's the cost and probability that I can acutally remedy something like this myself?
*notes*
I'm less than a novice mechanic, I tend to be more comfortable on the bodywork side, but there isn't much I haven't prepared myself for and accomplished mechanically that was
a first time project.
This truck gets driven about 5-10 miles a day by my wife when she does her errands, and this truck and I are done putting eachother through mud up to our ears. My truck is now
babied, not used as it started out: an enslaved workhorse pushed to it's limits almost weekly.
Any input is very much appreciated! I'm open to any and all comments, and thank you for reading!!!
