Are the Ram 1500 rearends really this weak?

The recall is real on the pinion nut. It is a problem an the pinion nut loosens slightly and this takes out the pinion bearing. The 3 dodge trucks I'm in close contact with, 2 mine, 1 my dad, all had loose nuts. I caught mine and my dads early enough, my wife's truck wrecked the bearing and caused some excessive wear on the ring and pinion gears. Dodge replaced the pinion bearing on my wife's truck at 194k miles for free since it's a recall. They deemed the gears were fine, which they look useable, but they do howl. I didn't argue, the truck is on its last leg and the rear gears will likely outlast the rusting body panels anyway.

So anyway your rear end is likely covered by the recall anyway. The dealer told me they would replace everything that was damaged. And it's clear yours is trashed.