4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: dodge 1999 9.2 chry anti spin rear axel 355 ratio, cotter pin, change tune

Question
hi  been a mechanic for some time never seen this type  diff carriir before took the pan off found some thing that looks like a bent cotter pin brooken in 4 or 5 pieces also a tear droped shpe piece of steel about the size of a penny the truck is a 1999 dodge 360v8 4x4 sport quad cab the rear is 9.2chry anti spin diff with a 3.55 ratio this info is from the under hood sticker. on the carrier housing theres two holes approx 1/2 to 3/4 inch with half moon shaped whatits they are loose and apear to be leaving a wear pattern on the passenger side carraier brg cap what failed ? haveht taken it all apart yet was doing a 100,000 mile service all fliud change tune up schock etc. found this metal part and  am at a loss as to where they came from the truck had a slight brg howel at about 45mph since 50,000 miles never got worse the posi -anti spin seems to work . im consered about the debri found and dont know whats up with the two loose silver whatits that live in the carrair housing please help thank in advance john aka willefixit

Answer
John,

This is a new one to me also.  I haven't had a chance to tear into one of these.  I always assumed that this diff was similar to a true trac, or gear driven posi.  It sounds like the half moon piece may be designed to slide out under torque, and lock up the rear end.  Just a guess, as I said, I've never tore one of these down.

Sorry about the answer, wish I knew more.  Looks like I'll have to dig into this one more, and check it out.

Carl