I've been searching the web and this forum for any solutions, but I have failed to find what I'm looking for. Hence me being a new member and starting a new thread. I have a 1997 Ram 1500 with the 5.9 gas engine and auto tranny, 4x4. Whenever I drive (even if it's less than a mile) I usually hear (and feel) a random grinding/vibrating sound. It usually happens whenever I hit a bump and will last typically about 8 to 20 seconds or if I happen to hit another bump sometimes it stops. I checked all my u joints for play, and I'm in 2 wheel drive (although sometimes my 4 wheel drive won't work from I'm assuming the front axle actuator). I started towing my Jeep on a trailer recently and the grinding noise now lasts longer than usual. It's hard to tell where it comes from, but if I had to guess I'd say around the front or middle. A mechanic friend of mine rode in the truck and he said "That's certainly not good, sounds like a transfer case chain, but I'm not sure". But it's just a guess and I don't know how to check it. Any leads or questions?

 

Check the double joint on the rear of the front driveshaft ? Mine went out and tore the tcase in half !

 

According to theory, in 2wd, the t-case chain isn't moving. You *might* here it slap once or twice over a hard bump, but, I rather doubt it.

Do you have the factory LSD by any chance? (limited slip differential)

 

Check the wheel bearings.

 

I checked all the joints, but I'll double check the double joint again to see if I've overlooked anything.
And I haven't thought of wheel bearings.. I'll check that too
And yes. I believe I have the LSD (although I only do one wheel burnouts)

 

Verify you have the LSD. (get a build sheet, link in faq section) if you do, and it doesn't work.... time to have a look in there.

 

Any thoughts about it bring the transfer case output shaft? Personally, I have never heard the noises when the retainer shifts but maybe this is it?

 

Would certainly be worth having a look.....

 

Alright, it's been a rainy week so I didn't have much time to check everything. I do have a LSD, I double checked all the joints and I jacked up the front end to wiggle whe wheels around to check for play in the wheel bearings. All of it seemed fine. The other day I was driving it and it started making the noise a lot longer than usual. I was on a dirt road at the time so I threw it in 4 hi while going about 35ish while it was making the noise and it stopped. Is it possible my transfer case just needs adjusted?

 

It seems to me more likely that it needs a transfer case saver installed before the case breaks violently apart.

It'd cost nothing but your time to get under there and have a look, but if it blows apart you'll be taking the BFH to the piggy bank.