2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Front end

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 03-04-2011 | 07:34 AM
spiderkc's Avatar
spiderkc
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default Front end

Need some help. We recently just had a bad snow storm and I drove to work in 4-wheel the whole way, 34 miles. Since then when got to turn slow the steering wheel is jerky and feels like it is walking, that same feeling you get in 4-wheel when you try and turn sharp.

I have read some things on here and I am wondering if it is U-Joints or if somehow the hubs are still locked. I know the transfer case is disengaging because I can hear a difference.

I can do some mechanic work but I have never messed with 4-wheel stuff before.

Thanks!
 
  #2  
Old 03-04-2011 | 08:54 AM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 82,818
Likes: 3,435
From: Clayton MI
Default

Check the outer u-joints on the front axle. Also have a look at the wheel bearings. (hub and bearing units..... not a good idea..... oh well.) Does your 4wd lite go off?
 
  #3  
Old 03-04-2011 | 09:44 AM
dsertdog56's Avatar
dsertdog56
Record Breaker
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 0
From: Just south of nowhere in Oklahoma
Default

I would think since if the 4wd light is off the shift fork on the cad has disengaged the axle collar. I've read where they've stuck. So it wouldn't hurt to check, however...

Some of you younger folks might not know this, but Dodge trucks back in the day had no CAD unit, and most didn't have lockouts either. Both shafts turned and the front driveshaft rotated. You bind the axle joints if you didnt have your stops set.

It is easy for these trucks to bind because Dodge didn't install steering stops in the knuckles over various years. Add some half frozen U-joints and...

You might jack up and secure the front axle and check the hub bearings. Grab the tire at the top and bottom and try to wiggle it. Any more than a little play means your hubs are going out. Inspect the axle shaft joints by looking for rust coming out of the caps or try prying on them with a bar or large screwdriver and check for excessive play in the caps.
 

Last edited by dsertdog56; 03-04-2011 at 09:49 AM.
  #4  
Old 03-04-2011 | 11:20 AM
spiderkc's Avatar
spiderkc
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

Yeah my light is going off and as I said before I can tell that the tansfer case is disengaging. I am going to try and jack it up tonight and look over things. I will do the tire check and the cap. Is there anything else I should look for?

BTW I have a 1999 1500.
 
  #5  
Old 03-04-2011 | 12:16 PM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 82,818
Likes: 3,435
From: Clayton MI
Default

Check ALL of the front end parts. See if anything seems amiss.
 
  #6  
Old 03-04-2011 | 12:59 PM
spiderkc's Avatar
spiderkc
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

Ok, thanks guys. I will check tonight and reply with findings.
 
  #7  
Old 03-04-2011 | 01:01 PM
dodgeboy1979's Avatar
dodgeboy1979
All Star
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 762
Likes: 0
From: Lloydminster Alberta Canada
Default

sometimes my 4x4 light will go off but not totally disengauge. I usually put the truck in reverse and just go a short distance and u feel the coupler in the front axle let go.
 

Trending Topics

  #8  
Old 03-04-2011 | 07:56 PM
spiderkc's Avatar
spiderkc
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

I had a friend lay on the ground while I put the truck in drive and he said the front shaft was not turning so I know the transfer case is disengauged. I lifted the front end and supported it from the axle and grabbed the top and bottom of both tires and tried to wiggle and there is no play at all. I checked all linkage and no play in it.

It rained today so on my way home it seemed that the problem went away when I turned onto my street. Very wierd. Almost as if moisture got into something and fixed it.

Could my front steering shock be causing it. It has over 50,000 on it since last changed.

Let me know if anybody thinks of anything I should check for.
 
  #9  
Old 03-04-2011 | 09:11 PM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 82,818
Likes: 3,435
From: Clayton MI
Default

With the front end up on stands. Spin the wheels, see how they feel. Then, turn the wheels in either direction a good distance, and spin 'em again. Feel any different?
 
  #10  
Old 03-15-2011 | 03:39 PM
spiderkc's Avatar
spiderkc
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

I put the truck on stands last night and spinned the wheels while straight and turned. The drivers side wheel had no difference. The passenger side was hard to spin while turned. I had to force it to spin and then it would want to kind of jerk back to the center.

I took it to have it checked out this morning at the guy said that one wheel will do that on 4x4's with solid axle. The issue seems to be alittle better when it rains. Very wierd! I checked my fluid level in the diff and it is fine. No leakage anywhere. Nothing seems to be loose that I have found.
 


Quick Reply: Front end



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:17 AM.