I have a 2006 dodge ram 2500 4x4 with a bad humming noise in the front axle. I checked it out to the best of my ability and it to have a lot of play in the pinion. My question is can I take the guts out to make it home cause I'm working out of town or do I need to just tow it to the nearest shop.
Thanks in advance.

 

Taking the guts out would be a major PITA. But better than breaking down on the road.

 

A worn out pinion gear can last a long time. As long as the gear doesn't break, you can drive on it forever. Pinion bearings don't last forever, and can go all of a sudden and can leave you stranded. Same thing with axle bearings.

If it's actually the gear that's making the noise, don't worry about it. Gutting the diff won't matter.

But if it's one of the bearings, you need to get it replaced. With the exception of the pinion bearing, you can't do without it. By the time you take apart to see what the problem is, you might as well rebuild it.

 

I agree with .bOB. Did you happen to run the diff low on fluid due to a leak?

 

Diff was never low on fluid. It was the first thing I checked. If it is bearings, are they hard to change.

 

Not hard but you do need some specialty tools to do it right.