How do i know if i need to fix the rear differential on my 1998 dodge durango

Check differential oil level, sounds like limited slip differential friction plates inside differential are binding due to lack of lubrication. Also check for water in the oil!!! How much offroading in water do you do???

time to pull the diff centre as the noise is from incorrect positioning of the crown wheel and pinion. This happens from failed pinion bearings or side carrier bearings.. Could be lack of oil or the wrong oil if it is a limited slip diff.

i had the same problem on my 99. the senor is located in the rear differential on top. speed was off, doors would not lock at speed,(15 mph) mileage comp was off, etc. sensor fixed all. good luck

000 DODGE TRUCKS DURANGO 5.9L 8-cyl Engine Code [Z]
Limited Slip Differential, Rear 8.25-9.25 W/ TT......GL-5* All TEMPS......75W-140
Standard Differential, Rear 8.25-9.25 W/ TT......GL-5 All TEMPS......75W-140
Limited Slip Differential, Rear 8.25-9.25 W/O TT......GL-5* All TEMPS......75W-90
Standard Differential, Rear 8.25-9.25 W/O TT......GL-5 All TEMPS......75W-90
Note:Trak-Lok axles require Mopar limited slip additive limited slip additive 04318060 or equivalent
Differential, With 7.25 RingGear Rear..........1.4 liters Fill no higher then 3/4 inch below plug hole.
Differential, With 8.25 RingGear Rear..........2.1 liters Fill no higher then 1/4 inch below plug hole.
Differential, With 9.25 RingGear Rear..........2.3 liters Fill no higher then 5/8 inch below plug hole.
Thank you for using fixya and good luck

we called that pumpkin or differential

as far as i know there is only one speed sensor and it is located on top of the rear differential should have one bolt holding it in. i believe that code says the speed sensor has a low output.

sensor in rear diff may need replaced

It is on the top of the rear differential housing.

The speed sensor on the rear differential is a common problem with these vehicles. That sensor would cause the speedo problem, the odometer problem, the abs light, no cruise control, but it would not cause it to die. The speed sensor is easy to change. I is stuck in the top of the differential housing with one bolt holding it in. You can change that yourself for about 35 bucks. The dying problems sounds like a cam or crank sensor. You say the transmission lags, is that mean it is slow to accell or it has a slide shift from 1 to 2 then bangs into 2nd?

This is the updated part no. from dodge 52070428AA.