Thread looks to be fubar. That might be saveable, but you'll need a new nut at least. But I recommend the new outer stub shaft.

 

Ok, looking at this picture, is that the shorter piece to the right. And yes. The threads where the wheel bearing nut connects to this pieces are toast. Somehow the nut backed itself off and sliced through the cotter pin




One more question. This chubby axle piece connects to the longer piece with a u-joint, right?

I bought new u-joints but they appear to be too big.

 

I ran into the same problem ending up ruining my axle. I ended up going with the part # on Spicer's website for the other side

 

Thanks for all the fast replies earlier. I've come to the conclusion I won't be getting this done today.

Thanks to RockAuto, I have the wrong parts for my upper ball joint and u-joints! They listed those under the 4x4, but after looking at other websites it appears those are for the 2WD Rams. So next weekend I hope to wrap this up.

Since I ordered these parts way back in Sept, I can't return to RockAuto....so I guess I'll have to sell them on eBay or something.

Looks like I'll need to order a new axle shaft since the threads are shot. I looked and the outer shaft piece is like $90 and the entire shaft is only $115. So I might just go that route since it'll come with the new hub assembly nut, new u-joint and have a nice new shaft....rather than just replacing the outer portion and nut....and doing the u-joint removal/install.
Something like this:
https://www.carparts.com/details/Dod...D28170001.html



Removing the ball joints isn't really hard as long as you have a ball joint removal tool. I rented one from local auto parts store. It took a minute to figure out what fittings to use, but they popped right out. Hoping install goes the same way.
Doing the driver side should be a breeze since I've figured out how all these piece go together on the passenger side.

I briefly looked at the parts I need for the sway bar...if they are cheap enough I might order those and knock out that install next weekend too.

Thanks again for the help guys. I'll post again once I'm back at it.

 

Ended up going with a better quality outer shaft than getting a budget full shaft.

Ordered:
- Spicer 49991 Axle Shaft
- Spicer 5-760X U-Joint
- Spicer 46085 Nut and 45523 Washer set
- Spicer 45942 slinger for the outer axle shaft since mine is deformed

All of that was about $100 shipped.

 

U-joint was pretty easy to install. I followed the methods in these videos, very easy.
Removal:
Install:

This thread has been useful to me, just not 100% on my ball joints...
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-bearings.html

Got my upper ball joint pressed in pretty easily.
The lower ball joint has a snap ring....sorry for the dumb question, but where does that snap ring go? My old one didnt have a snap ring

 

There should be a groove in the joint for the snap ring. They used the same joint in different applications though, so, some may use it, others may not.

 

Thanks, mine doesn't seem to press far enough up to expose the line that the ring would fit in....since my old one didn't have one, I think (hope) I'll be fine leaving it off.

If anyone thinks that's a mistake on my part let me know....

 

The nut on the lower ball joint doesnt want to tighten....but I found this thread. Just posting for reference in case any dummies like me are reading this in the future.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...t-tighten.html

 

It never will lol just tightened it while the truck is on the ground