hey guys need an anserw
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 1
From: Elk Rapids, MI
Hmmm...I'll have to check that out. If the front driveshaft is disconnected in 2 wheel drive then why the need for the CAD? Is it to stop the front axle from turning the driveshaft? Seems silly since it will turn from rotational friction anyway and the CAD is so prone to failure or damage.
Exactly, I totally agree with ya man. The whole front end in these trucks is stupid. If they would have just put a set of lockouts and real wheel bearings on the dang things from the git go we would all be better off.
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 1
From: Elk Rapids, MI
thanks for all the help guys. when i have my 97 with the truck off, in park, and in 2wd my front drive shaft doesn't spin at all. his is a 95 and with his truck off and in 2wd his spins freely. when he drives it and is tryin to pass someone or something like that it makes a rattling noise. when i checked his drive shaft is when i found out it would spin freely in 2wd. and with the truck off the rattle is coming from where the transfer case meets the drive shaft.
The driveshaft SHOULD spin freely. The noise on the other hand, maybe thats a bad u joint?
All Star
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
From: Carbondale,PA
Mine spins free when the truck is not running and it is in two wheel drive. I agree with the idea that the CAD is not disengaged completely. You may have an internal component that is bent and not allowing the CAD to disengage completely.
Retired Moderator - RIP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 17
From: NH
Of course it could also be that the TC is in 4wd, like the lever needs adjusting, or it TC is hosed. I would raise the front wheels off the ground, get underneath and see if the shaft and the wheels spin. That would eliminate the TC anyway.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles, CA
OK, I was underneath my truck most of the day and the front driveshaft does indeed spin freely with the truck off and in Park. When I thought about it I realized it made perfect sense. My last Dodge had full-time 4 wheel drive. I converted it to part-time with locking hubs using the knuckles and spindles off a Chevy 1/2 ton and a TC kit from I don't remember where. These RAM TCs have a 2X mode, which means they have no front output in 2 HI. I should have given it more thought before replying, but my ancient Dodge knowledge got the better of me. Still, it is a stupid setup. The CAD is so stupid an idea to put on an off-road truck I am astounded it lasted as long as it did. I mean, it wouldn't take much to snag the vacuum line or wiring on something and lose 4 wheel drive and get stuck. Even sitting on top of the axle it is prone to being damaged fairly easily. Bad design.