Mystery of why it drives with the pinion that goes through the center of the spider gears and attaches to the drive shaft is missing

1994 DODGE RAM
149,000 MILES • 5.9L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ADAM DYER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The pinion that goes through the center of the spider gears and attaches to the drive shaft is missing. Why is it able to drive without it and if it is rebuilt will it help improve gas mileage. We get eight mpg and used to get fifteen mpg.
May 6, 2017 at 1:43 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,000 POSTS
The pinion gear mates with the ring gear.

The pinion does not enter the spiders or differential's center at all.

If the axle's internals are not really worn, I doubt this would be the answer to your lacking mileage.

The Medic
May 6, 2017 at 2:08 PM
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