This might be a little long winded so if you don’t have time its ok.

2001 Ram 2500 Quad Cab Long bed 4x4, 5.9 Auto. 114000 miles

While driving down the freeway at around 65 with the cruise set you feel the truck surging every once in a while. After experiencing this I looked down at the tach and saw that I get about a 300 rpm increase for a split second when this happens. I thought it was overdrive going out so I took it out of overdrive, still have the same effect. So I suspected might be cruise, turned it off and think I felt the same thing, though at this point I could have been my imagination. It kind of feels like possibly torque converter clutch is unlocking and then figuring it shouldn’t. Any Ideas?

Second, I had my differential fluids changed at the local jiffy lube and shortly there after I started getting a vibration while turning slightly left or right, it is really noticeable when backing up. Any ideas on this also?

Third and last for now, I have this awful squeak coming from under the dash when I hit a bump. It seems to be coming from under the drivers side, I know this is wishful thinking but hey if you have heard it before you know what I am talking about just figured it bother someone else also so they might be able to pinpoint it for me.

 

Throttle position sensor? Slight misfire from plugs/wires?

Yeah, the bastards probably changed your fluid without adding a limited-slip additive...that will definately cause this feeling.

Never heard it, can't help you there other than going down there while driving...but people will get hurt that way, so don't do it :P

 

I agree on the TPS...and the lack of LS additive.

As far as the squeak, I know nothing of an under the seat squeak. Are you sure it's coming from inside the cab? I know the leaf springs are notorious for squeaking. IIRC, there's a TSB to resolve that issue.

 

I have the same issue with the RPM increase...pretty much the same truck except mine's a 1500 but same year, engine, etc. but miles are around 98,000. What steps do I need to take to fix this? If I don't fix it, will it hurt my truck?

~ Not mechanically inclined.

 

The "surge" you guys describe is caused by a bad Throttle Position Sensor. You can get a new one at just about any parts store. Mine was $32 AT O'Reillys. You can replace it easily yourself in about 5 minutes. It's on the drivers side of the throttle body. Unclip the wire plug, take out the two torx screws, and replace the unit. Unhook the neg batt cable and turn ignition key to "run" for a minute or so. This resets the pcm. Hook batt back up and you are done. Make sure to do a couple wide open throttle runs on an on-ramp or something in the first 40 miles after resetting the pcm. Yes - you need to fix this right away. It will cause extra wear on the converter and tranny........

Try this for your "squeak". Get a can of white lithium spray lube, and liberally spray the joint on the steering shaft right above the steering gearbox. Try to pull up the edge of the rubber boot to get it in the joint if you can get to it. Then spray all the pivot points on the shifter linkage under the truck. Mine had the squeak, and I tried everything else with no luck. I heard about the above fix on another forum and did it. Squeak gone.

Take the truck back to the Jiffy lube and tell them to redo the rearend and put the right stuff in it this time. The gear lube must have a "friction modifier" in it - or they have to add it to their stuff. This only applies to the rear diff - I seriously doubt if the front has limited slip....