Hi I'm new to dodge forums and this is my first post. I have a 1998 dodge ram 1500 4x4 sport. The ball joints and u-joints for the drive axles are bad. I bought a parts truck which was a 1994 dodge ram 1500 4x4 and I was wondering instead of tearing apart my axle I just want to swap out the axle. I know both axles have the same gear ratio but I was wondering if I'll be able to swapp them out without any modifications? Thanks for the help

 

You can go to the FAQ/DIY section and look for the free download service and parts manual. Look in the parts manual and get the part number for the axle. Then look at parts manual for the other truck, and see if it is the same part number. I have never done this on one of these so I don't have persoanl experience....but that is where I would check.

The manuals are certainly worth more than the cost (free!).

 

Personally I think just replacing ball joints and universals would be easier.

 

That's what I told my dad.
He said that the axle on my truck is all messed up in the inside. He said that he say the we're the sway bay mounts is different but that's all he could tell that wasn't the same. I'll defently look at the manuals. Thanks for the tip

 

If the parts are all the same you can take the good parts from the donor truck. I do agree with nate that you should just replace the ujoints, ball joints and while you are at the front bearing assembly.

 

i agree...hardest part is getting the hub assembly off each side. once thats off the axle shaft will pull right out. (least its that way on mine)

once the shaft is out, use a u-joint tool and pop the U-joints out.

 

If you don't have the ball joint tool rent it from advanced auto or any other auto parts store. It is very important that you install the ball joints correctly.

 

Alright I think I'll just swap the parts sounds less complicated. Thanks for the help

 

I hate forums I never can figure out how to make a post.

I have a 2000 Ram 1500 sport, I need gears. The diff. covers have both been replaced and I cant find anything on the axle tubes. I thought I saw something that said the front is a dana 40 or a dana 44. Im pretty sure its a 9.75"

Anything helps.Thanks, Doug

 

Front is a Dana 44 and the rear is the chrysler 9.25