96 ram 1500 front axle issues
How long have you owned it? I might be tempted to pull the front cover, and see what ya got in there. Maybe the intermediate shaft on the passenger side is seized up/binding?? You wouldn't notice it in 2wd, because it doesn't really have to spin anyway..... but, in 4wd.... things would break quick. There is a bushing on the outboard end of the intermediate shaft, the other end floats in the differential.
Alright the reported hopping is a concern. Axle hop will blow up a u-joint pretty quickly. It's possible it's always the driver side because there's less twist (cushion) available with the shorter axle.
I'd look at all TRE's and maybe steering box. When the front wheels pull if anything is loose they can try to go in different directions (if TRE's) or both go back and forth in unison (if steering box or steering shaft).
How does the truck drive on dry pavement in 2hi?
I don't think loose steering components are actually the culprit, but worth considering. I'm actually wondering about axle wrap. How are control arm bushings?? We tend to only think of axle wrap on rear axles but the front also needs to be solidly located
I'd look at all TRE's and maybe steering box. When the front wheels pull if anything is loose they can try to go in different directions (if TRE's) or both go back and forth in unison (if steering box or steering shaft).
How does the truck drive on dry pavement in 2hi?
I don't think loose steering components are actually the culprit, but worth considering. I'm actually wondering about axle wrap. How are control arm bushings?? We tend to only think of axle wrap on rear axles but the front also needs to be solidly located
Since you're off-roading in this truck, what modifications have been made to the front end? What size tires? Has the truck been lifted at all? If so, how much lift and how was the lift done? Are the front wheels properly balanced?
[QUOTE=AtomicDog;3559151]Since you're off-roading in this truck, what modifications have been made to the front end? What size tires? Has the truck been lifted at all? If so, how much lift and how was the lift done? Are the front wheels properly balanced?[/QUOT no lift but I have 285/75/16 tires I have all new front end everything it tight no play when driving down the high way in 2 or 4
Sounds like something is binding. As was mentioned, put the truck up in the air on jack stands. Once in the air, have someone inside the truck turn the steering side-to-side while you are under the truck looking for front end issues (binding in the front U-joints, bad/loose front end parts, etc.). Also, check the track bar to ensure it's not allowing the front axle to move around. What kind of front wheels are you using with the taller tires? Is the inside of the front tire rubbing against anything while turning/moving?
Sounds like something is binding. As was mentioned, put the truck up in the air on jack stands. Once in the air, have someone inside the truck turn the steering side-to-side while you are under the truck looking for front end issues (binding in the front U-joints, bad/loose front end parts, etc.). Also, check the track bar to ensure it's not allowing the front axle to move around. What kind of front wheels are you using with the taller tires? Is the inside of the front tire rubbing against anything while turning/moving?
The parts you have on the front end may be new, but may not be holding up well with your off-roading activities or may be bad out of the box. You're going to have to make the repairs and re-check everything in the front end to ensure this issue is resolved and won't happen again. You might also consider taking the truck to a driveline shop for a professional look to see what's going on.
The parts you have on the front end may be new, but may not be holding up well with your off-roading activities or may be bad out of the box. You're going to have to make the repairs and re-check everything in the front end to ensure this issue is resolved and won't happen again. You might also consider taking the truck to a driveline shop for a professional look to see what's going on.
OP is going to have to re-trace his steps. Just saying that every component is new is not helping.
Additional, more detailed photos of the front diff, track bar and front end components (tie rod ends, drag link, springs & shocks) would be helpful to view in this post and may trigger some thoughts of other things to check...











