Titan rear diff failure in Fourwheeler Mag

[Haasguy]

I just got my new issue of Fourwheeler magazine today and they had an update on their long-term Titan, which is the same one that won the Fourwheeler of the year award. They say that their rear diff failed while towing one of their vehicles. They were very nice about it and said it was their fault since they didn't follow the manuals advice about breaking in the diff by towing under 50 mph and allowing it to thermal cycle. They seem to really like the Titan despite that. Also maybe since they are a major magazine they seemed to have gotten really good service at the St. George, UT Nissan dealer. They were very positive about the whole experience. Hopefully this isn't old news but I couldn't find anything else about it.

Robert

[Titano24's]

be prepared, I believe we will be having more and more differential failures.



-Shane

[lowlypawn]

Originally Posted by Titano24's

be prepared, I believe we will be having more and more differential failures.



-Shane

Why would u think that?

Isn’t the axle based on a dana 44? A tried and true differential….

[Titano24's]

Well guys, let the issues begin......



-Shane

[OnebadSE]

I'd bet it's not actual gear teeth. If it were, you'd know about it. Although I too would be a bit concerned about any metal filings in the oil, it may just be excess metal filings left during manufacturing. Again, I haven't seen what you call "chunks" but that's my opinion.

[Titano24's]

Originally Posted by OnebadSE

I'd bet it's not actual gear teeth. If it were, you'd know about it. Although I too would be a bit concerned about any metal filings in the oil, it may just be excess metal filings left during manufacturing. Again, I haven't seen what you call "chunks" but that's my opinion.

Well as a for a better discription its about 1" long 1/8" thick its a chunk haha, then there are a few smaller pieces, then the normal fillings. It is well known we the titans have problems with there differentials. Check yours, you will be surpirsed. And just to think, I haven't towed anything yet........I mean the words right outta the nissan tech's mouth were "uh-oh" hahahaha



-Shane

[pluckyew]

naah not worried, but i 'll read the manual again before i tow.
i read that article.

eh i'm a 4wheeler and firewood haulin' type, i don't tow much.

[bestatchess]

Originally Posted by lowlypawn

Why would u think that?

Isn’t the axle based on a dana 44? A tried and true differential….

For a tiny little Jeep with an itty bitty tow rating.

[Titano24's]

Originally Posted by bestatchess

For a tiny little Jeep with an itty bitty tow rating.

I couldn't have put it better myself



-Shane

[lowlypawn]

So what would you like to see come standard on a titan? Dana 60? One ton + axles? I bet someone would still manage to break one and complain.

I would bet money 99% of titan owners will never have a problem with the axles but I guess time will tell.

[tnbowhunter]

I have over 15,000 miles on my truck. I've hauled my Polaris Sportsman 500 quad in the bed and towed my 5000+lb. camper numerous times without any problems.

[PrerunnerGreg]

You guys have to understand that its not the diameter of the ring that matters, its tooth engagement. A 44 with around a 3:1 ratio has a simalar engagement as a dana 60 with a 4.5:1. Gawd I hope these are correct. That is why Nissan is using the smaller ring gear. As long as the bearings and axles hold up, the rest should be as strong. The new vipers run a dana 44, and they have 500hp. None-the-less, im keeping a close eye on mine.

[OnebadSE]

Originally Posted by Titano24's

Well as a for a better discription its about 1" long 1/8" thick its a chunk haha, then there are a few smaller pieces, then the normal fillings. It is well known we the titans have problems with there differentials. Check yours, you will be surpirsed. And just to think, I haven't towed anything yet........I mean the words right outta the nissan tech's mouth were "uh-oh" hahahaha



-Shane

That's just it, it's NOT well known that Titans have rear diff problems. Have we heard of some having problems? Yes. Does this mean there is a problem that we all have to worry about because of a design flaw or inferior materials? No. Not according anyone I've spoken to at Nissan.
Read enough threads....you'll find people whos' tires are losing air, people who can't properly adjust their rearview mirrors and complain it's a design problem that they can see the radio reflection (LMAO...must be 4' 9" then). You'll also read about those whos' bedliner peeled or paint peeled. Then there's the the ones with crooked seats, squeaks and rattles, windows that don't go up and down fast enough etc.
The point is, there are MANY of us who've had nothing but a bad radio on our trucks. Those of us who have been around long enough to be able to adjust out rear view mirrors. It's easy to say "Well, 4 people here had the same problem" and assume it'll happen to you or that Nissan better hurry up and remedy this. Stuff happens. It won't always have a rhyme or reason to it. And it doesn't have to mean there's a huge problem. Just my 2 cents.

[Titano24's]

I'm happy if you are having no problems but I am and there's not "4" people with rear diff. problems. I am just stating that IMHO the titan will have more diff. problems over time. I mean obviously nissan found something wrong if they changed the diff. cover for the 05 model. I'll keep my opinion to myself from now on but I expect yall to do the same. I'm obviously not making this up and it has nothing to do with the way I treat my truck. I baby the hell outta it, it has 3500 miles and have done no towing.

No not everyone will have a rear diff. problem but who are you to say that they won't. I'm just trying to bring the attention to a potential problem, if ya wanna shoot it down, so be it.




-Shane

[abmobil]

Weve heard of a few titan rear diff failures, but have there been any armada diff failures? I havent heard of any. Im not sure but i would think they would use the same diff. Unless the independent rear suspension is speced a litle differently.