So I replaced the u joints in both of my front axle shafts (passenger side was trash and clanking, driver side was not as bad but hey why not get it when the getting is good) on my 1999 Ram 1500 4x4. Used a press to remove and reinstall both made sure to get them in and the clips to fit. After I reinstalled the axles and everything else that goes with it to the torque specs in a chiltons I have a mean wobble at 50mph +\- 5mph that didn't exist before the repair. After speaking with my father a mechanic off and on for about thirty years I rechecked the hubs are seated properly there is no 12 and 6 or 9 and 3 play when wiggling the tires. Placed a hammer next to the tire and spun to make sure they where staying true (no wobble) so I'm going to get my tires balanced as soon as possible (just in case, stranger things have happened) but I have a sneaking suspicion that it won't fix it. So I'm hoping that someone one here might know what it is or have experience on the matter.
Sincerly,
John (the hoping he didn't screw up something worse and wasted 130 bucks on a shop press for nothing guy)

 

Has the front suspension been maintained (have any other front end parts been replaced)? Closely check the track bar (especially the ball joint end), the ball joints and tie rod ends - sounds like you've already checked the wheel bearings pretty well. Getting the wheels re-balanced is a very good idea - be sure to take it to a shop that keeps their wheel balancer regularly calibrated, as not all shop wheel balancers are properly maintained.

 

I haven't changed anything on the suspension tie rods are solid. Can't figure out why it would have the wobble after the u joint replacement. Hopefully getting the tires balanced today and will update when I do.

 

That truck is a 1999 and no other front suspension parts have ever been replaced? How many miles is on it?

 

Did the axle nuts get torqued down to the proper spec? It is some truly stupid number like 180, or 225 ft. lbs.

 

115253 and I personally haven't replaced anything up there I got it a little over a year ago.

 

160 is the highest my torque wrench would go so I gave it that and then some on the driver side. I couldn't even get the passenger side off so I just did it with the hub still attached.

 

The tire balancing was a no go.

 

What did you do with the cad while you had the passenger side apart?

 

The torque spec for the hub nut is 180 ft-lbs.