Forgive me if this is all laid out somewhere, but I've searched, and read, and seems there's a lot of info, but it's scattered throughout several different threads. I'm just going to lay out what I think I've learned from reading, and would like someone in the know to say yes or no, please.
Okay, first of all my curiosity started by the fact that I have a slight gear whine. It seems worse when cold, and changing out the nasty "good for life" oil with first Mobil 1 75W-90 then Royal Purple 75W-140 didn't help. I'm still not 100% convinced it's the diff, but probably is. I only hear it above 50mph, and seems worst in 6th gear between 65-70mph. It's only audible when under light/cruising throttle. More gas it goes away, let up and it goes away. Sometimes, it doesn't seem to be there at all, and sometimes I think I hear it slightly when letting off the throttle from a heavy acceleration (within the above speeds) with the windows down I never hear it.
So, moving on. This is what I've learned...
1. All Crossfires have the same carrier. SRT's have a different ratio 3.07 vs 3.27 (I think I got that right)
2. My 2004 owner's manual calls for 75W-140, apparently 2005-2008 calls for 75W-85.
3. 2004's have bolt on axles
4. 2005-2008's have slip in axles
5. Not found any verification yet, but I assume the wheel/hub end of either axle is the same.
6. 2004's had gear grinding issues from being setup incorrectly and some/many have been replaced. Can't find anything to say that this was a problem in later years
7. Found several mentions of a pin shearing off. This seems to be mostly related to SRT's and the extra power
So, if I'm correct in the above, and I do have gear problems...
I'm assuming I can either find a diff from another 2004 for a direct bolt-in, and hope for the best, or I can find a diff and axles from a 2005-2008 N/A for a direct bolt in and I should be good to go.
I've yet to see new gear sets sold anywhere, however I'm guessing maybe the stealerships still have some. Setting up gears is one thing I leave to the pros, but know a guy who does it well.
Wavetrac and Phantom Grip are also options, but very pricey for a N/A daily driver. I think I only paid $400 for a new Eaton Posi setup for my Chevy a few years back. However, it would still be nice to have.
Thanks for reading, if you made it this far...
