Hello I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.9L. For some reason it seems like I'm always busting my u joints. This time it is the passenger side. I've kind of seemed to notice that I always busy them after I have engaged the 4 wheel drive. Had to use the 4 wheel today because my field is a sloppy mess. Then I had to go and pick some stiff up and on the way I knew I had another I joint go. The sound is quite familiar to me now. Yes I did put it back in 2 wheel before I got on the road. Does anyone have any ideas why I would keep breaking my u joints. I have to change them almost twice a year. I've done it so many times that I can have the axle out in a blink of an eye. Yes I also make sure all the clips are seated properly......another issue that I have had for awhile is even when the U joints are good. Whenever I do use the 4 wheel drive when I have to turn it feels like something is hanging up or something. It makes a loud clicking noise as well. I have checked the u joints when this happens and both sides looks good. It's hard to do turns when the 4 wheel is engaged like something else is about to break. I have no clue. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to chime in and if you need anymore info please ask. Thanks

 

Check to see if the holes in the axles are stretched out of round. I use Spicer joints. The parts stores will try to sell you their brand that is "made by Spicer". They may be, but they aren't the same quality.

 

Something is out of alignment, or bent. You should not be going thru u-joints that much. I might be tempted to replace the entire front axle.......

 

You are not using the 4WD on dry asphalt are you? Get spicers! The parts stores sell junk. None of them sell spicers to my knowledge except truck outlets.

 

No I never use the 4 wheel on dry pavement. Only up in my field amd at my farm if it is really sloppy and I have move some trailers.

 

Thanks I thought about that as well. Something is definitely wrong because you're right I shouldn't be going through that many. It's getting a little old having to keep replacing them

 

Spicer 5-760x is the correct joints. They are sealed and should last about 5 years depending on use. I drive my truck daily and it has 195k on it and I've three sets replaced in its life so far. If they are ex/imploding then something else is binding causing the weakest link to fail. Time for a shop to diagnose.

 

this calls for a dana 60 swap

 

i have had my truck for close to 4 years now and replaced them twice now. i was told when i got the truck that they are a problem part that goes bad more often than they should, just like the dash cracking and plenum pan leaking. the passenger side is loose right now, i am gonna switch to spicer on both sides here soon. moog isnt what it used to be.

 

Buy only spicers!!! All the parts stores sell is junk and you will be replacing them in no time. It's unfortunate that spicer doesn't make a greasable joint for the dana 44. I have a dana 60 and had the same issues with junk u joints. But with the 60 you can get greasables.