1998 trying to help single mother

[johnwon454]

Hi, I hope someone will take the time to answer this on behalf a single mother in need. Mechanic said rear end is bad, makes a loud noise. I have not heard it or even seen it. My question, is there any reason why the rear driveshaft could not be simply removed, lock it in 4WD and just drive on the front drive? Thanks for your time.

[x3mtm]

the front drive axles should only be used in slippery conditions...like in snow. it is not recommended to be used in dry conditions because it can jam the tranaxle gears and break it....along with the transmission. you might be able to get away with it for a couple of weeks, but it wont last long...

[johnwon454]

Originally Posted by x3mtm

the front drive axles should only be used in slippery conditions...like in snow. it is not recommended to be used in dry conditions because it can jam the tranaxle gears and break it....along with the transmission. you might be able to get away with it for a couple of weeks, but it wont last long...

Thanks you so much for the reply.

[N8ECH]

Hi John:

While this measure could be ok for a short term solution, Doing much driving without investigating to see what issues if any the rear end has could be very dangerous.

The early Durangos 98, 99, 00 had their share of issues, and rear end problems was one of them.

We would not want this gal to be running down the road at speed, and have the rear end lock up. The rear ends equipped with the limited slip or Anti Spin as Chrysler called it for the Durango have clips that keep the clutch packs in place.

Eventually, they seem to fracture and allow slop which causes big problems if not caught early on.

The front axle housing on our Durango's is aluminum, and not designed to pull the entire weight of the D by itself.

Hope this helps..................................Don

[johnwon454]

Originally Posted by N8ECH

Hi John:

While this measure could be ok for a short term solution, Doing much driving without investigating to see what issues if any the rear end has could be very dangerous.

The early Durangos 98, 99, 00 had their share of issues, and rear end problems was one of them.

We would not want this gal to be running down the road at speed, and have the rear end lock up. The rear ends equipped with the limited slip or Anti Spin as Chrysler called it for the Durango have clips that keep the clutch packs in place.

Eventually, they seem to fracture and allow slop which causes big problems if not caught early on.

The front axle housing on our Durango's is aluminum, and not designed to pull the entire weight of the D by itself.

Hope this helps..................................Don

Thank you for further information on the subject. I will advise her againt doing this.

[johnwon454]

Originally Posted by N8ECH

Hi John:

While this measure could be ok for a short term solution, Doing much driving without investigating to see what issues if any the rear end has could be very dangerous.

The early Durangos 98, 99, 00 had their share of issues, and rear end problems was one of them.

We would not want this gal to be running down the road at speed, and have the rear end lock up. The rear ends equipped with the limited slip or Anti Spin as Chrysler called it for the Durango have clips that keep the clutch packs in place.

Eventually, they seem to fracture and allow slop which causes big problems if not caught early on.

The front axle housing on our Durango's is aluminum, and not designed to pull the entire weight of the D by itself.

Hope this helps..................................Don

I'm still trying to help, can someone please tell what all model years would work and also be model years that are not prone to this issue.

[jpb53]

You might try this site.
http://www.car-part.com/advSearch.htm

[johnwon454]

Originally Posted by jpb53

You might try this site.
http://www.car-part.com/advSearch.htm

Thank you for your time. I will check it out.

[N8ECH]

John:

Most salvage places have access to computer programs and or "Hollander" books which tell them which years will interchange.

My guess is that at least 98, 99, and possibly 2000 will fit. Try to avoid a rear end with the factory Anti Spin as you could eventually end up in the same boat.

Also, there were two different gear ratios from the factory for Durangos. The more common being 3.55 to one. The optional 3.92 to 1 is less popular. The replacement rear end has to have the same ratio as the front, or the first time 4 wheel drive is engaged the transfer case will most likely explode.

Don

[johnwon454]

Originally Posted by N8ECH

John:

Most salvage places have access to computer programs and or "Hollander" books which tell them which years will interchange.

My guess is that at least 98, 99, and possibly 2000 will fit. Try to avoid a rear end with the factory Anti Spin as you could eventually end up in the same boat.

Also, there were two different gear ratios from the factory for Durangos. The more common being 3.55 to one. The optional 3.92 to 1 is less popular. The replacement rear end has to have the same ratio as the front, or the first time 4 wheel drive is engaged the transfer case will most likely explode.

Don

Thanks for your reply. Right now this lady is back working and trying to save up some money. The vehicle will need tags, insurance, inspection, etc., etc. As of now, she is using her mom's car and has to drop her off at her job first.........