Hello all! I'm new here to the site. I have a 2001 Dodge Ram Laramie 4x4 with factory off road package. Bought it back in 2003 with about 40,000 miles on it.

I noticed the other day I was leaking axle fluid from the end of the front axle on the drivers side. Also noticed the tie rod end rubber boots were cracked. I'm not sure if all these can be fixed by themselves, or if I'm due for the whole front end to be rebuilt. I'm thinking it needs rebuilt.

It's all the original suspension with exception of the shocks and the right front hub that needed replaced when the truck had about 90,000 miles on it. Truck currently has 177,000 miles on it.

Do they sell a rebuild kit for these that has everything I would need to tackle this myself, or would I be better off taking it to a shop. Just weighing my options right now... either way, I need to get it fixed. Not sure what the costs would entail of rebuilding it with stock (or even better than stock) parts, or what a shop would charge to do this.

Also if I were to tackle this myself, are there any special tools I would need?

Any thoughts? Thanks for the help!

 

Ram 1500, 2500?

 

It's a 1500.

2001 quad cab Laramie 4x4 with factory off road package 360 motor and automatic transmission.

I have an appointment with our local Dodge dealership Thursday to look at it and give me an estimate... I'm dreading it. I looked at it after I got home from work today, and looks like every rubber boot on all the joints of the suspension parts look either cracked or dry rotted... even the bushings on the ends of the stabilizer bar.

 

Got a hammer and basic sockets and wrenches? You can do it yourself.

 

^Lol, it takes a little more than that.....

 

I've got basic tools... I think some of this stuff is pressed into place or something - I don't have any tools to handle any of that... Last thing I don't want to happen is get half way tore apart and get stuck on something to the point where I'd have to get it hauled to a shop to be fixed.

 

I was only thinking about the tie rods. Oops haha

 

The inner axel shaft seal is busted which is the cause of your leak. That does require a special tool to seat the seal properly and also removal of gears in the rear(front) while you have it all apart you might as well replace seals, bearings, races ect.
As for suspension, those parts all wear with time. Being as you said its all original, I would say it's all a ticking time bomb. Replace everything that is warn, loose, cracked or rotted.

 

^Agreed, given the mileage it's likely you will need most of your front end parts replaced. Dry rubber boots mean very little though, if the joint is still good, leave it alone and replace only what's worn. As far as doing it yourself, no offence but I doubt you could, it's a lot of work to do front end stuff. As far as the oil leak goes I believe it goes in before the front differential carrier, personally I would not rebuild the diff but just change the seal. Your best bet is to head to a shop you trust and have them take a look at it and give you a real estimate.

 

Thanks guys for the help. Yeah, I would attempt it, but I'm not experienced with 4x4 suspension stuff, so I'll indeed have it done at a shop. I have an appointment at the Dodge dealership tomorrow for them to inspect it and give me an estimate. I'll let you all know how that turns out. Again... thanks for the info and help.