Okay I'm lost here. And I really need someone that knows their stuff. But I recently picked up this 1999 dodge ram 1500 5.2l 318 manual with the NV3500 at 169k on it. And its beat up I won't lie. Also there is a check engine light that comes on and goes at times. But my problem is, I am having this weird thumping/whining noise. And I can't determine where it's coming from. So hopefully someone knows. I changed my wheel bearings I have changed the universal u-joint on the passenger side. I checked my diff and the fluid all seems well. Could it be my struts or my tie rods or bushings? Maybe my front driveshaft, or my gears in my diff. I am seriously lost please help. Here is the video https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zH1h7mDycds Here is a second video at low speed starting what it sounds like. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SD8XwCuBkYM

UPDATE 06/20/23
I think I might of found my issue. I am hoping it's my front driveshaft. And not my t case. But, I took off my front driveshaft not completely. Just disconnected it from the front diff and unbolted the bolts where the yoke and universal joint sits. And I didn't drive fast because I didn't want to mess up the needle bearings. But It felt like the sound went away. Again didn't drive fast not even into second gear. And I just drove around the corner. But I didn't hear the thumping. So maybe.... I don't know. But it's a start wouldn't you say? Man I hope it's not my t case. I mean it goes into 4x4 4LO/N/2HI/4HI so...

I plan to buy a new front Driveshaft. Anyone know cheap good durable auto shops online?

 

No video! says-The transfer you requested has been deleted. Post the video on you tube and post the link here.

 

Randomly while driving? On rough terrain? Hitting bumps?

 

I just did make one.

 

Randomly driving and accelerating while pushing in the gas pedal. It also will not go past 77mph. It vibrates to when I go into 3rd or 5th until I bring the rpm up. I think that's maybe a spark plug fault or just normal. I never had a NV3500 so I don't know all the quarks and tinks with them. But it sure does feel like it's not getting power like it should. maybe a clogged cat? The exhaust does have a hole in it near the rear. I just am confused on what is going on. I can diagnose the engine loss with tools. And do the basic air, fuel, compression and spark check. it's the thumping noise in my video I need help with.

 

Wow, that sounds pretty knarly..... its definitely a rotational noise, I would expect that its frequency increases with speed? 5th gear nut came loose??

 

I don't know if it has a 5th gear nut or not. Also I haven't rotated the tires yet.

 

If you have a 5 spd manual, you have a fifth gear nut. Its on the end of the shaft, and holds the gear in place. If it comes loose, so does the gear, and carnage ensues.....

 

I'll have to look at that. Hey it's start somewhere so I appreciate it. I just man I got screwed on this Dodge. $3700 all because it was a manual

 

Did you check the rear driveshaft? How fast is the thumping when moving? Sounds like a possible chipped tooth on the ring gear.