05 SR10 Rear End problems HELP

[speedchangesu]

Guys I have an 05 SR10 Convertible drive it only on the weekends and rarely get on it and never out of the hole....all routine service on time (in fact every 3k miles) at DCH Dodge in Temecula. About 2 years ago through routine oil change they found metal shavings in the rear end oil and swapped out the entire third member (under warranty).

I just took the car in again because I heard some noise coming from the rear of the car (thought it was brakes) and was just advised that the rear end is bad and will have to be replaced AGAIN.....

The car has 45k miles, same clutch, transmission and U Joints...have any of you had a similar problem or any idea what could be causing this?.

Thanks

 

[swexlin]

Maybe not installed correctly the first time. From what I understand, setting up diffs and gears is more art than science.

 

[fqberful]

A Dana 44 is a fairly light rear end for a car with as much torque as a Viper. Your replacement differential may not have used the best stuff in the rebuild process. From experience I can tell you that you want an expert in this type of differential like Unitrax to build them. They will chryo treat the gears and case optionally polish the gears -- the proper gears, not some foreign knock offs! And use some of that "art" that comes from significant experience to assemble it. That all makes the difference in how long they stay together.

If you're running slicks and drag racing you may want to use a Dana 60 mod.

--FQB

 

[speedchangesu]

Thanks for the information...the car is still under warranty and I don't race it so this is really a puzzle. I have a couple of hot rods 41 *****'s running a built 2009 LS3 with a Dana 60 and have never had a problem (that car I have made several 1/4 mile runs with).

The Viper on the other hand we have never got on out of the hole......

Chuck

 

[Paul Hawker]

Not a common occurance, but also not unknown.

Think it is just the luck of the draw that you are having this problem twice.

The first rear did not fail on you, but they replaced it on a proactive basis. Probably wanted to send it back to Chrysler to see what could be the problem.

Looks like Dodge is doing the right thing by you, and replacing the rear.

 

[Flexx91]

Non-issue if they are actually replacing the rear end instead of rebuilding it.

 

[bluesrt]

all the diffs dodge gives away= maybe they should put a gear in there that can handle the torque just a crazy suggestion but what do i know

 

[speedchangesu]

Maybe a non-issue...just got a call from DCH they advised me that a Dodge representative was at the dealership last week, discussing down sales, profit and other doom and gloom issues. What came out of the meeting is a new protocol from Dodge. Even thought he vehicle is under warranty, they will require the owner to pay a $700.00 tear down, then a "determination will be made as to why the parts failed" and to determine if in Dodge's view if failure was caused by some abuse. The decision is now taken out of the dealers hands....

To me this is a complete conflict of interest in that the body making the determination has a vested interest in the outcome of the decision. This should not even be an issue when the car is under full warranty......I will keep you posted on what happens.....

 

[VENOMIS]

That totally blows. At that price you could by a complete rear from a member here for less and probably never have another problem..

 

[bluesrt]

throw that piece of crap rear end away

 

[JonB]

Guys I have an 05 SR10 Convertible drive it only on the weekends and rarely get on it and never out of the hole..... About 2 years ago through routine oil change they found metal shavings in the rear end oil and swapped out the entire third member (under warranty)....... was just advised that the rear end is bad and will have to be replaced AGAIN.......The car has 45k miles, same clutch, transmission and U Joints...have any of you had a similar problem or any idea what could be causing this?.

Chuck:

The SETUP is not at play as suggested, because the 1st warranty replacement gave you a complete stock diff, as you stated. No gear swap. ASSuming you had no noise or whine issues, So not setup.

What they WILL FIND when they do the tear-down, is the demise of the Hydra-Lok that was OE in 2003-2006. Those began failing in the prototype VGXs even back at VOI-7. The first issue was a weak cross-pin, a $25 part [from a '99 Jeep,] which was revised by early '04 model year, thru '06.

Next issue is the Gen 3 diff 'limited slip' itself as the Weakest Link, that is almost always replaced by those dragging or tracking their Gen 3. When we get Gen 3 in for a gear swap, OSG, or Quaiffe, even at 15K miles they DO show excessive wear. Gen 4 MUCH improved.

So if the Zone Rep is honest with you, the issue has a known warrantee history. If you are asked to pay $700 or more, Id ask for the Mopar 355 diff..... If they refuse, DRIVE AWAY, PAY NOTHING, and go 1.5 Hour North to Anaheim CA and have it serviced by the BEST VIPER GEAR GUY on this planet..... invest the $700 there......and upgrade for a bit more.

 

[speedchangesu]

Thanks for the advise ....I really needed it...that is exactly what I am going to ask for...keep you posted on the results

Chuck

 

[speedchangesu]

UPDATE...received call from DCH (the dealer here in Temecula, Ca) they will get a new rear differential from the factory. The stock differential that came was OEM with the car and will cover it under warranty. I asked about the 355 and explained the issues with the stock differential but no luck....at least they will fix this problem...

Thanks for all the advise Chuck