Hello. I recently replaced the U-Joints in my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L. As I was driving to work this morning, going about 70, the truck vibrated a little then suddenly the driveshaft comes flying off the truck & onto the road. I abruptly pulled over, turned off the truck, & picked up the driveshaft from the side of the road. Upon inspection, the U-Joints had come apart. The flange was still on the spindle of the tranny, so I pulled that off as well. I am now having it towed.

My bigger issue is, now the truck is making an awful grinding noise when its running. It sounds like it is coming from the transmission, but I could not tell for sure upon a quick inspection (I had to leave it temporarily & get to work). After the driveshaft initially flew off & I pulled over, I did notice the grinding noise then, but I was too concerned with picking up the driveshaft from the road. It also almost felt like the truck would not go into park, but it did, it seems.

Could the transmission have been damaged when the driveshaft flew off? I am thinking about taking it to a shop, but I would like to know what the issue could possible be, so I know a little more of what to expect.

Any ideas what this grinding noise could be? Any input would be helpful & appreciated.


Thank you,
Mike

 

2 or 4 wheel drive?

 

It's a 2 wheel drive.

 

Well, not the transfer case then.

Does it only grind when in gear? Or, all the time?

 

All the time. As soon as I start it.

 

Coming from the front or rear of the engine? Or the engine itself? Could try pulling the serpentine belt, and run the engine for a couple seconds to see if the noise goes away. Since it does it all the time... if it isn't something hitting the torque converter, probably not the trans.