I am finally down to getting the last clunk and loose items fixed on my 98 4x4 ram i have replaced all the steering with 98hd stuff put all new ball joints and u joints on the front end as well as a 2.5 in spacer and new shocks i still have a little clunk and wander in the front end im wondering is that could be the steering shaft i can wiggle it around a good amount and it does rattle, but the more important clunk is in the rear i have a 2 in block new u bolts new shocks and new tires and all new u joints, i have a clunk i can hear in the rear end if i turn sharp at low speeds or if i grab the bed and push it back and forth can hear a clunk in the drums on both sides, any advice on what i could need or what to look for? is it normal its not bad but its noticeable, thanks in advance

 

Do a google search for "Rock solid ram steering fix" for the shaft wiggle on your steering. That's a known issue on these trucks.

The side to side clunk in the back though... might not be able to do anything about it. Axles are held in by C-clips on the differential end. Axles are prevented from moving in (allowing the clips to fall out...) by the center pin for the spider gears. If the side to side movement is where your noise is coming from...... about the only thing I could think of, would be fatter c-clips, or, replacing the axles, and clips, with new ones. And even that may not cut it...... See if you can figure out how much slop you have in the axles.... and take it from there. If it is excessive..... fix it. If it is within spec, learn to love it.

 

do the c clips wear out? do they make different sizes? the sound dont bother me so much just dont wanna loose a shaft while out playing, i just order the rock solid steering fix, looks like a pain to install?

 

I haven't done the rock solid fix yet. Mine isn't annoying enough yet. So, don't know. Some folks have had fun with it... there are a couple threads around here about it.

Wear out? No, not really. They are bathed in gear lube, for the most part. (at least, they should be....) and the parts around them don't move in relation to them. They may get pounded thinner, just from the weight of the truck moving side to side.... I don't think they make thicker ones either..... (although, new ones are probably going to be marginally thicker....) Don't know if anyone makes shims, or something similar for them....... also don't think you can fit two in the slot available. Taking up the slack would require some research I guess. I have a full floater, so, not an issue.

 

You don't happen to have a hitch in your trucks receiver do you? I've been fooled by that before when I thought I had a rear end clunk. Turned out it was the hitch making a clunk inside the receiver when I shook the truck. One of my brighter moments.

 

nope no hitch but im thinking the sound is from the axle lees and less now i can actualy gram the bed at the back of the truck and push it back and forth and you can hear a squeaking poping sound from the bed up by the gas tank and the cab but the bed is tight and the bed is not touching the cab, tempted to get a 2in body lift to see if it helps( i hate sounds and vibrations from wore out or bad parts)