Broke Front Diff...Weak Link

[WyoTITAN]

To start, my local salvage yard came through. They had a used diff in 1 day for $550, not too bad considering a dealer would have charged me at least $1200 for parts and it would have taken them more than 2 days to get one (I know...I went through that in July).

Taking out the broken pos was not too bad, and it did not require taking apart the bracket for the lift. Digging into the old diff, I found two broken C-clips and a shirred off bolt on one of them and a mess of broken ring teeth (which was the direct result of the broken C-clips). So I developed a question, why is Nissan using case aluminum C-clips on a truck that develops 280+ horse power at the wheels...more than a 1 ton running Dana 60's 25 years ago?! I've heard of this part breaking before, so why hasn't there been a recall. The replacement of these would not take a dealer too long to perform. I'm not saying that it would completely fix the weak axle, but it is a step in the right direction.

So my question is, how do I go about disposing of the old axle? Do I take it to the dealership with the video clip that clearly shows that I was not abusing the truck and have them refund my money lost on a used diff and not push the issue any further? Or do I send the pictures and video clips to Nissan directly? I am so irritated that this truck that I paid $36,000 bucks for will NOT pull back wards without coming apart! Here are some pictures of the broken parts inside the front diff:









Here is the video clip to illustrate the pull: http://videos.streetfire.net/video/s...ens_204255.htm

[scottsbro23]

WOW Cast aluminum carrier bearing caps???? Thats nuts...and from DANA no-less...Only reason I could see for that is for weight savings..but come on how much lighter are the than steel? I could see them using cast aluminum ones in a all wheeldrive crossover or some other small SUV..but not in a fullsize truck.

[skeet]

Pulling in reverse with these trucks are a definite no no.

[DevilDawg]

I know a guy at work getting $.92 a pound for aluminum. Might be a way to recoup some of your loss.

[honeykeeper]

Now that sucks........WOW on the video...I hope that helps you get a refund!
I feel your pain. Had the rear differential go a few weeks ago and no help from the SM or NISSAN.
They should have warned owners not to use reverse in 4x4 with a tow load.........but who would buy one that really uses a truck for Off-Road heavy duty use?
I raise and lower my tilting wind generator towering in reverse using the tow hooks and a line and pulley in 4 wheel-lo.......so far no problems.
Let us know how the SM and NISSAN treats you.

Don't forget to report it to the NHTSA.
Search for a Complaint: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/ Note: click on vehicle.
Defects/Recalls: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ Note: click on vehicle.
Online Complaint Form: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/Consumer.cfm Note: takes about 8-10 minutes to fill out form and 24-48 hrs. your case #/file to list on site.

[05StealthTitan]

pulling somethig backwords is never a good idea especialy on a ifs equiped truck. espesialy with that dodge being as stuck as it was. i hope you can get some of your loss back. it is stupid to use all aluminm. but even if i had a cast iron diff i would not pull a truck out backwards

[MDJamesD]

When you were pulling him out in reverse, you were putting the load on the back side of the gear teeth. it's not a design flaw, that's how all gear teeth are cut.

[titanman2]

i wwould not take that to the dealer. that is clearly not what that truck is designed for. sorry but thats just my .02

[4mula1fan]

That really blows... it should pull sideways if we wanted to!!!!!!!

[skeet]

Originally Posted by 4mula1fan

That really blows... it should pull sideways if we wanted to!!!!!!!

I agree.I never heard of not pulling anything in reverse until I bought a Titan.