Keep after them to replace the ring and pinion gears as the wear pattern may have been incorrect and contributed to bearing wear.

 

&gt;<br>The last I mentioned it too my dealer, they said &quot;Sure we'll look at the rear differential, but if here is nothing wrong we'll charge you for a rearend service&quot; &gt;

 

Zeedaddy,<br><br>The whine is due to bearing progressive failure. With proper lubricant level the failure is slow. Dealer is correct in saying the &quot;evidence is destroyed&quot; but in 1-2K miles there will be new evidence. Don't wipe the metal particles off the Magnetic Fill Plug this time.<br><br>I drove a truck once for 30K miles with a howling pinion bearing once. Unless the howl is rapidly getting louder it is likely due to small pits in the bearing race. If it does get louder rapidly in the next 1K miles take it to the dealer. Have a friend go with you to be your witness. If the dealer will not make warranty repairs, Contact DaimlerChrysler Zone Office in writing and explain your problem requesting assistance. You can be charged for work which you request that is not needed. Warranty work is where a defective component is found or where the dealer attempts to correct a problem they have diagnosed and they have proposed a remedy. You can't tell them how to fix a problem, (you can suggest only) some dealers get angry and uncooperative when you even suggest.<br><br>Since you say you live in N. NV, I can only guess. If in or near Elko area that really limits you. If you are in the Reno area your options are open since you have a choice. To find a cooperative dealer a two hour drive is worth it. Even a three hour drive to a good dealer might save you lots of grief. <br><br>Keep us posted

 

Update - Dealer has truck to replace rear-end parts. While on the rack, they noticed a transmission leak. Working on it tomorrow. Truck now has about 1300 miles.

 

pardon the intrusion from an 02 guy, but don't the 03's also come with Dana 80 rear ends or did they change that?

 

yikes. sorry if this has already been discussed, but is this a new corporate axle, a switch to a new vendor, etc. and what is the perceived reason for the change? Is there a benefit to the truck owner? cost cutting thing? maybe the new axles are stronger and better?