You should try the dealer a mod Friendly one! My Buddy's locker was toast and they replaced the whole carrier since you have lifetime warranty you might be able to get a new locker and axle shaft

 

now there is some info I can use! thank you.

 

Thank you for the help. I will be taking the jeep to the dealership Monday and talking to the service department to see what they are willing to do. If they wont or can't help I will just fix the bad axle shaft seal and wait on pulling the trigger on any upgrades. I just learned there is a Northridge location near me now so I plan on going there as well to see what they suggest as well. Its a good thing winter is on its way and I have no plans to go wheeling anytime soon.

 

What about swapping to a smaller tire for when you talk to the dealer? 37s are a lot of tire... Not sure it'd make a difference, but I could see that making it an easy decision to deny the claim. Also, make sure to take it to a mod friendly dealer.