Easiest way to tell is to drain the diff fluid, if you have metal shards in there it probably needs a rebuild. Not sure about your diff, as I had the CRD, but stock Chrysler diffs don't usually have a bottom drain hole, so you might have to lossen off the plate and left it drain out the bottom. The rear diff does have a breather hole on top, if you (or previous owner) have submerged the diff to the top of the breather hose, it may have water in it (this is bad).
A history of towing, may indicate a poor diff service history. I think taking it to a diff specialist might be the easiest way to sort it out. The Chrysler Corp rear end has parts and rebuild kits available.
As always, with KJs of this age, unless you know the original owner or have a very good service history, don't trust the seller.
Last edited by glend; 04-10-2020 at 08:57 AM.
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