Help with ID of Chrysler 8.25

[rbraddock]

I am trying to determine if my stock 8.25 Chrysler has the limited slip or Trac-Loc differential prior to taking it apart to change the lube and bearings (if needed). I have something rubbing back there and have not been able to isolate whether it is an axle bearing or in the diff.

Label affixed to axle tube:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...00000495830874

Stamped where drive shaft enters the third member:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...00000495830874

Stamped at the bottom of third member near diff cover:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...00000495830874

The only other information is a tag on the differential cover stamped 2648. I called the dealership service department and they were unwilling to answer questions but said I could bring it in for service and they would be glad to fix it. I'm sure they would.

I tried posting the pics inline, but couldn't seem to get them to appear, so I am sorry for the hyperlinks.

[rbraddock]

Okay after spending some more time under the rear axle this is what I discovered:

There is definitely a rubbing noise coming from the driver side axle bearing, but there also appears to be a grind coming from the differential (put my ear to the housing so not sure if it is transmitting from the axle or not.) Only one wheel spins when in the air so I don't think I have the factory LSD.

So now the question:
Do I replace the axle bearings AND the differential bearings? or just the axle bearings? or hold off replacing anything for a month or two until I can afford to throw a locker (accepting recommendations) in the rear and do everything at once?

[njjeepthing]

If you jack up the rear and spin the tires.....both going the same direction you have a traction device, if they spin opposite you are open diff.

[jeepdreamer]

Kinda depends on your finances...And where your going with the jeeps build. If it were me and planning on keeping it fairly stock, I would simply hit the local Pull-A-Part yards and find a replacement 8.1/4. All you need is to find one with like gears...and you may even score one with a locker. Cheap. Fast. and may still be low milage and built from the factory...just my 2 centos! Cheers!

[Root Moose]

If you jack up the rear and spin the tires.....both going the same direction you have a traction device, if they spin opposite you are open diff.

Just for the sake of completeness, a well worn clutch pack TAD will behave like an open differential. The best way to verify is pop the cover.

[Otter56]

The 8.25 on my '01 had the LSD before I put a powertrax no-slip locker in it. it would make a rubbing sound when the fluid needed to be changed. i'm not sure..but i attributed that to the friction modifier wearing down.
in your case, just based off my experience, i would look inside first to see if it has an LSD and if it does replace the fluid first to see if your noise goes away, then you know if there is any damage prior to deciding on a locker. btw be sure to add a tube of friction modifier if you change the fluid.
as far as lockers i've been happy w/ the no-slip for many years BUT i do not live in snow/ice and some folks say a non-slectable locker can be a problem in those conditions.

[rbraddock]

I replaced both axle bearings and seals over the weekend; that removed about 80% of the rear end whine (howl) that I had, but there is still some. So I think that the bearings in the differential are do for a change. I do not have the factory LSD, so my thought is to put a locker in there. I will need a couple of months to put together the funds depending on the locker, therefore I am going to hold off working the differential now.

EXPO: Thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations as to what locker to put in the rear? I want an ARB, but the quality costs!

Thanks,

[StumpXJ]

I too want and ARB for the rear, just for the selectable option. But, I have had great success with my Aussie in the front. Over two years now, and not a lick of trouble. Slightly different than in the rear, but the product it self is fantastic, and you dont know its there in the front.

If you can afford it, the ARB is a great choice...

If not, the Aussie is a fraction of the price, but will be full time.

~ Stump

[mudbutt]

Save your pennies for the ARB... I love mine....

Plus you get OBA at the same time... Win-win....