So without any warning at about 65mph my rear end starts winding and bam locked wheels, got out and the rear shaft was on the ground. I looked closer and it came right off. Not sure what to call it but the part where the rear driveshaft connects to the transmission (four bolts) completely cracked off with bolts still in place. truck had to be dragged up the tow truck, rear end wont budge. Havent started taking it apart.

Has this ever happened to anyone here? what did you do to fix it?

98 Ram 1500 5.9L

 

My guess is that either your brakes hung up or your pinion bearing went out. Sounds like a T-case rebuild but it could've been worse.

Last time this happened to me it took out the planetary in the tranny... looked like a grenade went off in it.

 

Brand new drums recently done at Les Schwab. Does the winding sound prior to it locking up come from the pinion bearing going out?

 

Probably...mine went out without so much as a whimper

 

Time to open up the rear end and probably rebuild or replace. Same happened to my grandfather years ago, on a Chevy though. The r&p gears decided to explode.

 

Def need to open the rear... my transfer case rear extender snapped off at the bolts as well. Any advice on where to get a new one without buying a whole new transfer case?

 

You have a 1500. That means T-cases are a dime-a-dozen at the local JY. Go find the truck that has the least miles, and grab the T-case. Drive shaft too if you want it. Rear end maybe?

 

Yea good Idea, We have a bunch of pick and pulls around here. I found some with over 200,000 miles on them for 450.00... Im military, im poor. Cant really get the money together, need the cheapest route you know haha.
Thanks for the replies guys.

 

Transfer case rear extension... should it cost 85$ I cant find any new, but the shop that rebuilt my tranny will sell me one for 85.... seems a little steep

 

The Junkyard wants $400 for a T-case??? Holy crap if they are getting that, they can afford for you to toss one over the fence...


I am an E-3 living in the dorms, so I hear ya on the money thing.