Bought my Viper - broke my Viper

[MannyG]

I just bought my Viper last week (a 95 emerald green beauty - tan interior). I never had so much fun with clothes on. About 30 minutes ago, I heard a clunk (while going 100 mph) that came from the rear . The car would still limp along with a rattling sound (not a good thing). Took it to the first shop available, the noise is coming from the rear end. They have to tear up the rear end and see what's up (about $450). It's like showing me a little bit of heaven and then ripping my heart out . What's the going rate to rebuild the rear end ? Anyone have this problem before ? My car only had 15,000 miles.

 

[Achilles99]

Yet another reason to have an extended warranty. Is it possible to add one to yours after this repair?

Who did you buy the car from? I'd be having a talk with them...

 

[GraphiteGTS]

Manny,
Don't let this go. Talk to your friendly salesperson.

 

[MannyG]

Was going to get the Dodge dealer to inspect the car to get the extended warantee next week. Tough break. I still plan to do that. It's not the fault of the car dealer, the car was working and driving just fine. Murphy's law just bit me, picked that time to go bad.

 

[NatRT10]

I called Chuck Tator about getting an extended warranty for my '95 and as of November of 2003, we can't anymore. If you find out otherwise, please let me know. Sorry to hear about your troubles with your Viper.

 

[MannyG]

Could have been worse. The engine and tranny are fine. I hope to get it back by next weekend. Anyone else have problems with the rear end, or is this just a fluke ?

Manny

 

[viper585]

Could have been worse. The engine and tranny are fine. I hope to get it back by next weekend. Anyone else have problems with the rear end, or is this just a fluke ?

Manny

Have logged alot of miles on gen1's,never had a problem with the rear end.Tough break.

 

[Gerald]

Lots of GenI's had that inherent "clunk" from the rear. If I'm not mistaken a trip to the dealer to tighten some damn screw, bolt or nut fixed the problem. I doubt of you broke a half shaft or Ujoint....

Gerald

 

[MannyG]

I heard that clunk at first. Then a rattling racket as I was moving forward. It allowed me to limp into the service garage. They will tear into the rear end on Tuesday. I hope it's just the clutch mechanism in the rear end. Although the mechanic seems very experienced, I'm a little concerned that it's not a mechanic with viper experience.

 

[99 R/T 10]

No worries about that, if he is at all familiar with rear ends , you will be fine. Might want to look at upgrading your gears from the stock 3.07's to a 3.45

 

[Yves]

Just stay calm now.
Even if this would end up being something 'major', this is an older car and there is a big aftermarket (spare parts) for the Gen1. Don't let any dealership push you into buying new parts for it. There's some really good people around here who can provide you with the necessary stuff.
Drop another message in case you need help.

Wish you all the best with your car.
I'm sorry your Viper experience had to start this way. Ah - within a couple of months this will be forgotten and you'll be all smiles in your convertible

 

[1TONY1]

I wouldn't replace anything in that rear if I could swap it out. Call Dan and see what he has.

http://vca2.viperclub.org/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB24&Number=384399&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

 

[MannyG]

They broke open my differential today. Ugh ! What a mess, all the bolts were sheared off (holding the main gear assembly) and the gears chewed up. The mechanic said that it was probably a factory defect (since all the internal parts were original) and it only had 15,000 miles. The case is still good. I'm having someone come over tomorrow that does nothing but rebuild differentials (recommended by the Dodge dealer). He does all of the Dodge dealer's rebuilds. He'll look at it in the morning and give me an estimate. I tried to get used differentials but it seems that everywhere I looked they are all sold out. Anyone know of a good used differential for sale for my 95 ?

BTW thanks to everyone for their help and support so far.

 

[99 R/T 10]

I have one, out of my 96, but it will be cheaper and better to just rebuild yours with a good set of 3.45's

 

[MannyG]

I rebuilt my differential with a set of 3.55. Was this a good move ?

Mannyg

 

[Jeff Torrey]

Yes, that is the prefered gear ratio until you supercharge.