Hey, I have a 2001 Dodge Ram regular cab short box 4wd. When I put it in fourwheel drive there is a squeak comming from what seems like the front driveshaft. I replaced one you joint last summer and the others felt good. There is some type of carrier up by the double u joint and I was wondering if theres a bearing and seal in there? Any other ideas? Thks Chris

 

your squeak is probably coming from the front drive shaft, as it turns when in 4wd. its probably not the axle u-joints, as they turn all the time, even when in 2wd. the front has that double carden thing with the ball in the middle. i' ve never worked on it here's a tech article about it.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/doublecardan.php

 

Ya after posting I read on and that is exactly what it is. I plow with this truck and were expecting a snow fall in the up coming day or two. Will it hurt the truck to still use it? It been squeaking for the past month. Can I lube it and be good for a bit?

 

there is a ball and socket in the double carden joint, im sure it shows you in the article. If this runs dry, the ball will grind away at the socket eventually making the hole big enough to pop out, when this happens it will make the joint loose and clunk and bind while driving, and if it spins fast enough or gets a great enough load on it, it will fall apart. if you cant fix it now, drive it until it breaks, but be ready to kick it back into 2wd if the thing lets go

 

Alright so the worst it can do is fall apart and I lose my 4wd? It wont tear the transfer case or front end apart? I'm going to fix it asap, what is the part called?

 

if it fails, you need to remove it, it will wash out the splines on the TC and pinion and possibly take the bearings with it. The part is technically called a Double Carden joint. but many driveline shops call them front CV joints, I dont know why because thats not what they are. If your going to attempt this by yourself, make sure you are very well educated on the procedures, it can be frustrating.

 

I think what Ill do is remove the shaft and have a driveshaft shop replace it for me. Thks for all the info...Chris