It seems to me that the 11.5 AAM axles built after 2003 are not experiencing as many problems. Does anyone know what was done to solve this? At one time there was quite a bit of discussion on ring and pinion gear noise going on.

 

I haven't had one problem with mine....

 

Mine is otay so far. It's massive!

 

No problems here. Just coming up on 70,000 miles. I have serviced it with Mobil One 75W-90 at 15,000 mile intervals.

 

Ditto on no problems here either.

 

I have no problems with mine.
What are some of those problems though?

 

Zero problems, 42000 miles.

 

26k on mine, changed the oil the first time and it looked like it was about 1/2 metal. Also a couple large flakes, and 1/4 of metal goo on the magnet. See what it looks like in another 3k miles I guess.

 

Mine whined on the test drive before I bought it at around 70mph. I made them check it out before I signed and they readjusted something and it was good to go (the adjustment was out they said). About 5,000 miles later it started again. Took it in, they adjusted it again, and it was fine for another coupe thousand miles. When I changed the fluid in it at 20K everything looked OK. The wear pattern was as perfect as you could ask for, the fluid still looked good, no metal and barley enough goo on the magnet to make it worth wiping off. The slight whine is there but has never gotten worse with mileage. I just ignore it now and will see how it looks at 30/35K when I change the fluid again.

It is funny how people always say never buy the first production model of any vehicle as it will be laden with little problems…..very true here. My truck was manufactured in September 2002 and every TSB that has been released I have had done. Not because I could, but because I had the problem…..all of them. To date the rear end whine is the only thing they were not able to take care of for me.

 

AK Ram,
Do you miss your 95? I'm seriously considering selling mine and buying a nice 12 Valve, due to the fact that I'm concerned with maintenence issues with all the computer garbage on the 3 gens that may occur after warranty has expired.

 

I miss the ease of working on it, but that is about it. I don’t miss the truck as a whole. The 3rd Gens are just so much better in every aspect. Plus, I beat the crap out of my '95 for 9 years and it was really starting to nickel and dime me to death. My last year of ownership cost me over $1500 in parts.

The electronics on the 3rd Gens are quite easy and basic once you figure them out. All of the electronics that people worry about going out in 10 years can be purchased directly from Cummins for pennies. For instance, Cam and Crank sensors are like $16.00 with your Power Boosters' and TDR discounts. MAP sensor is like $30.00. It won’t be too expensive to maintain it 10 years down the road….if it has any problems at all.

Me personally, no regrets and I wouldn’t go back.

 

I have yet to change the fluid in my rears!!

 

0 problems, 58k on mine...

I use Royal Purple 75/90 @ 15k intervals. No visabler wear at all...

 

Did you notice any improvements with the Royal Purple?

 

No measureable difference detected.