16 problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Differential grinding noise when driving down the street when grinding noise started.
Tl the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the rear differentials gears seized and caused the vehicle to swerve and come to an abrupt stop. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. (michiciana Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram fiat of mishawaka, indiana) was made aware of the failure and requested that the vehicle be brought in for a rear differential assessment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
There was not an accident but could have been. The clips in the differential fall out and could cause axles to lock up which could be very dangerous at speed. When changing my fluid I found these clips in the bottom of the case. This is a very common and dangerous problem. If these clips were to get caught in the ring and pinion gears it would have been scary. Dodge should be recalling these.
Was driving our vehicle 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 p/u in normal conditions, suddenly there was a whining noise from the rear end and a lot of drag. Shortly after a loud thud, the driveline had disconnected from the rear differential. The repair shop said the differential had siezed, most probably due to a bad pinion bearing. After conducting research, both by myself and the shop owner, we both have found that it is a defect common to Dodge, as even acknowledged by the local dealership and that it is extremely difficult and/or expensive to locate replacement parts for the problem.
Differential/ rear end has gone out on me twice now. The first time was after camping, where I was towing a light truck bed trailer with camping stuff. Noise developed and increased over a few months. Took it in before it failed. Had to have it rebuilt - clips coming off, etc. The 2nd time was about two years later - I was on city streets , going only 5mph since it was busy, when I stopped at a light. I felt / heard a clunk. My rear differential had totally lost the clips, and coils broke. Thank god I was not going fast. I had it totally rebuilt again. I know from facebook and the web that it is known that ram 2002 to 2005 rear end c-clips are bad, and have caused many accidents, some at high speed. I don't understand why this is not a recall!!! I have spent my own money 2x to get this fixed and I do not tow even though I bought a truck that was supposed to be a work / towing truck.
Just had a warranty repair made to a somewhat notorious problem with the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The retainer clips broke and came out of the trac loc differential, causing failure in differential bearings and driveshaft. The Dodge dealer was aware of the many problems, but has yet to recall the notoriously defective part and continued to replace faulty parts with the same faulty parts.
On the way to work one morning, both the brake and abs lamps came on at the instrument panel on the dash. At the same time I noticed that the speedometer readings began to oscillate 5-10 mph from true vehicle speed. Truck seemed to drive just fine otherwise but dropped it off at a local dealer just in case. Dealer confirmed that the rear wheel speed sensor has been "destroyed" by debris accumulated in the tone or exciter ring in the differential housing. Dealer also found the remains of numerous "keepers" used to align the clutch packs in the Dodge 9. 25" anti-spin differential housing and noted substantial scoring of the bearing caps. Faulty retainer clips have rendered the anti-lock braking system inoperative and made the speedometer unreliable.
Large metal pieces found in differential housing, while changing lube, big enough to jam gears and cause real axles to lock up. Still under warranty, dealer will fix.
9. 25 lsd rear differential in 02-2005 Dodge rams.
: the contact stated that the clutch retaining clip on the rear differential became detached, resulting in part of the axle to be worn away. The vehicle was taken to both a private mechanic shop, and a service dealer. The private mechanic informed the contact that that specific part should not have broken, and that a design flaw would be the cause of the problem. The service dealer expressed that it was a lack of maintenance on the vehicle causing the piece to become detached.
Rear pinion seal went out at approximately 47000. Began hearing noise in rear differential at 57000. Took it into dealer. Tech was very helpful. Dismantled rear differential. Showed me appx 3/16" groove worn into differential housing and carrier from limited slip differential clutch retaining clip which broke off and was grinding differential housing. Tech says this is a common occurrence with the limited slip differential and could lead to catastrophic read differential failure during driving conditions. Read various internet forums with numerous Dodge Ram 1500 owners having the same problems. Some of these same owner have experienced catastrophic failures.
2003 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab-lsd clip/differential/ rear axle assembly failure. Clips fell out twice with rebuild twice in warranty. First incident around 12000 miles. Currently at 96000 miles. Both times at highway speed with accompanying bang and jolt. Clip runs up in ring and pinion, damaging same along with bearings/races/housing. Noise followed by failure each time. Currently out of warranty, making noise, and found partial clip on differential magnet during oil change. Failure imminent soon. Rear axle assembly now requires third complete rebuild. The truck is used in a light duty manner generally hauling people at highway speeds. This is an inferior part/assembly and have not been able to remedy through daimler Chrysler. This problem is experienced eventually with all Ram 1500 owners that have a limited slip differential in the rear axle assembly.
1. Felt noticable vibration in vehicle at low speeds (0 to 40 mph). Vibration would smooth out after 40 mph. 2. After driving approximately 10 miles, rear differential completely locked up with no rear wheel movement whatsoever. Had to use front drive axle to move vehice out of roadway while dragging locked up rear axle. Dodge technician suspects pinion nut failure causing pinion to bind rear axle. 3. Vehicle is currently sitting on dealer lot waiting to be repaired. I have no confidence in this vehicle and am now scared to drive it.
Took vehicle for normal maintenance, requested differntial to be serviced. Called by dealer told that while performing rear differential service found clips broken in rear differential case, and side bearings warped. Must replace rear differential. Truck has 46000 miles.
2003 Dodge Ram 1500, 4x2 (with limited slip 3. 55 gear 9. 25 Chrysler corporate axle). Built Nov. 6th 2002. VIN #1d7ha16n63j560716. While changing my rear differential fluid at 23,646 miles noticed gears looked o. K. There was however located, (stuck) on the magnet, a 3/4 inch "c" shaped clip and another small metal clip. Went to dealer, scheduled for entire differential gear replacement under warranty. He said they've repaired eight or nine of them. Worry now about it going out all together, was told to drive it until repaired. I find many, many experiencing same problem!!.
03 quad cab 4. 7 with 20" wheels rear end growling. Dealer repaired it 1 time and told us to drive it and if it still made noise that they would replace the complete rear end. Took it back a second time they took it apart and put more new parts in it ,took the vehicle and drove it and it still made the growling sound, took it back and was told they were having some problem's with those rear ends and they drove it and said (could not duplicate complaint) the truck still has a growl in the rear end now they say it is a tire problem, the dates in this report are a guess, but the vehicle was still under the factory warranty at the time of both complaints. Vehicle was purchased at east tulsa Dodge in tulsa ok. And all services have been by them.