Need Dana axle help
 

(I posted something similar to this on the Help forum)
I'm stuck. I bought a used 01 2500 QC LB, 4x4 from a dealer in Denver
(The first problem not pertaining to this post was a front end problem. They paid for the link bars, tie rod ends and I did the work. Drives well.)
I change all the fluids in the drivetrain when I buy a used vehicle. Right now the rear diff is drained. Based on the VIN number , I have a printout from parts department with all info about the truck - it did not come with limited slip. And the tag in glove box does not say LTD Slip.
BUt one bolt on the diff cover has a tag - use limited slip fluids. The cover says
Dana
42434
344 0
Rev AB
05 02 94
Is this a diff out of a 94?? Can you tell the year of diff by the layout of the ring & pinion?
If it is a 94, I have no idea how many miles are on the rear diff. The truck has 116K.
Should I take the truck back?? What to do? Plus, do I add friction modifier or not?
What could you tow, haul, etc. that would cause a rear end to go bad?
And if the read diff has been replaced, I'm worried about what else is wrong with the truck.
Help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jim in Colorado

dont worry its fine mine have the same # on it its a 01 HO 4x4 . put the LS oil in it:D

rebal,
thanks for checking your diff cover. Makes me feel slightly better. :)

339K&Counting,

On the RH axle tube there should be a number if you go to Dana's web site it will tell you the axle specs. and uses. I don't remeber if it will tell the original details (LSD or open). But someone put the tag on the houseing one way or the other. Probably for good reason. I would put the additive in. Even a little extra would not hurt. There are a lot of threads about LSD not work well. I tested mine the other day with one tire in loose dirt and the other on blacktop. I left rubber on the blacktop. I also heard some noise I thought was coming from my rear end so I added more additive (assuming the dealer forgot to). 50K and no problems.

Also just because someone modified the truck does not mean there is something wrong with it. If you found a VG holset turbo attached you wouldn't complain would you?

Randy

I jacked up the diff. The wheels spin in the same direction - so it is anti-spin. A plus. Lost of numbers on the diff and the axle tube, but I can't find the Dana bill of materials and the date stamp.
Thanks, Jim