Hi everyone. I'm new to this, but I have a question about my newly purchased '99 24v 4x4 QC Short bed 2500. The rear Diff cover shows a date stamp from '95 so it is not original. It has a wire connection to the top of it, which is disconnected. The Diff cover shows a stamp of: 46293 2, and then 077 9 and then RE D, and then 09 07 95. The removable tag shows 52069469AG, and then 3.54, and then 606148. Another tag under a bolt says "use limited slip lubricant" . What have I really got here? The reason I am interested in all this is that when I'm turning at very low speed, I hear a groany chatter noise from the rear. So I'm curious what the electric connection is for, and how to stop the noises.

 

The connection is for the ABS. Use some friction modifier to stop the chatter.

 

Welcome to the site! What was posted above, and you have a 3.54 ratio gears. You can get the friction modifier at the dealer. If you plug the connector in and the ABS and brake lights come on, pick up a speed sensor while you're at the dealership.

 

just another quick remark. The need for limited slip lube "whale snot" indicates the rear end is a posi unit. Both wheels drive when you turn, one wheel ends up rotating faster than the other. There is a clutch in the diff which drives both wheels, & also slips enough to allow for the faster wheel. The anti slip lube aids in this, letting the clutch slip smoothly

 

Make sure when you add the friction modifier that you don't fill the diff too full. The fluid should be 0.75" below the bottom of the fill hole + - 0.25".

 

And you can get the friction modifier either at the Dodge or Ford dealers. It's the same stuff and costs about 5 bucks for 4 ounces. It's called XR or something like that.

 

The 606148 # is not for the automatics....so assume you have a Dana 80 rear end.... 5 sp or 6 sp tranny?

Assuming the tag goes with that rear end, sounds like just needs friction modifier... as mentioned above.

Go to a dealers parts dept, with your vin# and they can print you a 'build sheet'. It will tell you what came on the truck from the factory. Nice to have.

RJ