Hopping rear end with sluggish power?
Veteran
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 353
Likes: 1
From: Sultan, WA
Looks like the straw finally came out of the rear end.... You've had it for 7 months? How many miles on it when you got it?
Really looks like someone had fun driving through the local hay field before cutting.
Looks pricey to fix too. Maybe the lot you bought it from was a hay field in a previous life?
Yeah, I'm just joshing ya, but that's really what it looks like.
Good luck.
I had a 1st Gen Dodge Power Ram. The rear end did just what you described, only it didn't go away after stopping for a bit. Turned out the rear brakes, on the passenger side, imploded. New brakes. New drum. Oh and had to fix a lug where the local wheel thieves had tried to take the wheels off. Lug locks is where it's at! Cost way too much to fix, and they didn't even service the pumpkin!
Really looks like someone had fun driving through the local hay field before cutting.
Looks pricey to fix too. Maybe the lot you bought it from was a hay field in a previous life?
Yeah, I'm just joshing ya, but that's really what it looks like.
Good luck.
I had a 1st Gen Dodge Power Ram. The rear end did just what you described, only it didn't go away after stopping for a bit. Turned out the rear brakes, on the passenger side, imploded. New brakes. New drum. Oh and had to fix a lug where the local wheel thieves had tried to take the wheels off. Lug locks is where it's at! Cost way too much to fix, and they didn't even service the pumpkin!
Well, I have removed all of the straw from the yolk. I got enough out of there to make a straw hat! The hat looks nice but it really isn't in style right now.
No sign of ANY fluid leaks. I pulled the plug on the differential and the oil level was right to the bottom of the hole. It was golden like honey.
Got another set of eyes on the issue too. We took the truck for a drive and it was sluggish again and the hopping started, but gradually. Plus, it is raining here and with less friction at the wheels, it never really hopped. It just shuttered a bit.
While driving it started pulling HEAVY to the left and more and more pedal was required to keep moving. I ended up turning around and could only make 30 mph on the way home. It would go faster but I wasn't comfortable pushing it.
When slowing to turn around we noticed a squealing noise from the rear. Couldn't determine which side but it only made the noise while trying to turn right.
We are thinking now maybe a wheel bearing.
Bearings seemed smooth while it was on the jack stands. Maybe it only became an issue after it heated up on the short trip we took.
I'm going to pull the bearing in the left wheel and inspect it more closely.
I'm feeling better about it all now.
If it is only a wheel bearing, that is a simple repair vs. going into the rear end.
All of your feedback has been great!
I'm new to the forum and you guys have made it a great experience. I will try to stay active on here. I have found tons of information and that's a good thing!
Thanks again...
No sign of ANY fluid leaks. I pulled the plug on the differential and the oil level was right to the bottom of the hole. It was golden like honey.
Got another set of eyes on the issue too. We took the truck for a drive and it was sluggish again and the hopping started, but gradually. Plus, it is raining here and with less friction at the wheels, it never really hopped. It just shuttered a bit.
While driving it started pulling HEAVY to the left and more and more pedal was required to keep moving. I ended up turning around and could only make 30 mph on the way home. It would go faster but I wasn't comfortable pushing it.
When slowing to turn around we noticed a squealing noise from the rear. Couldn't determine which side but it only made the noise while trying to turn right.
We are thinking now maybe a wheel bearing.
Bearings seemed smooth while it was on the jack stands. Maybe it only became an issue after it heated up on the short trip we took.
I'm going to pull the bearing in the left wheel and inspect it more closely.
I'm feeling better about it all now.
If it is only a wheel bearing, that is a simple repair vs. going into the rear end.
All of your feedback has been great!
I'm new to the forum and you guys have made it a great experience. I will try to stay active on here. I have found tons of information and that's a good thing!
Thanks again...
Update...
After much procrastinating, I have repaired the Dakota! It's just been too damn cold here and I HATE THE COLD.
I decided to check the front end to make sure it was ok before going forward with the rear differential. Might as well rule out some other possibilities.
I found that the left front brake caliper was seized up. It has two pistons and the lower one would not move. The rubber around it was damaged and I guess moisture had gotten in there and compromised it's integrity. I have installed a new caliper and the truck is back to normal
I thank everyone for their input on this and maybe someone else will get some needed information from all of this.
Thanks again!
After much procrastinating, I have repaired the Dakota! It's just been too damn cold here and I HATE THE COLD.
I decided to check the front end to make sure it was ok before going forward with the rear differential. Might as well rule out some other possibilities.
I found that the left front brake caliper was seized up. It has two pistons and the lower one would not move. The rubber around it was damaged and I guess moisture had gotten in there and compromised it's integrity. I have installed a new caliper and the truck is back to normal
I thank everyone for their input on this and maybe someone else will get some needed information from all of this.
Thanks again!
Captain
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: southern NJ
When i first read ur problem i was gonna say check ur calibers but i lost net at my friends house 
but i had the same thing done to me.. i ahd my brakes done fine out my right caliber went.. replaced that then day after had to go to court and rpms went high kinda jumpy i didnt know what was going on i was gonna be late so i said what ever it is 4wd either gonna fix it or brake sumthing... well when engaged it stopped and way i went. go to court there was smoke comming off but it was only white and they were new brake pads and rotors took it to the shop guy takes it off the caliber was shot.. i was running on my drums
. i suggest u should change ur other caliber 2 just incase dont want ur rotors warped!
but i had the same thing done to me.. i ahd my brakes done fine out my right caliber went.. replaced that then day after had to go to court and rpms went high kinda jumpy i didnt know what was going on i was gonna be late so i said what ever it is 4wd either gonna fix it or brake sumthing... well when engaged it stopped and way i went. go to court there was smoke comming off but it was only white and they were new brake pads and rotors took it to the shop guy takes it off the caliber was shot.. i was running on my drums . i suggest u should change ur other caliber 2 just incase dont want ur rotors warped!
I started to go ahead a replace the other caliper, but decided to chance it.
And I think that if I had driven very far I would have had smoke too. After pulling the wheel off, the caliper was so hot I couldn't touch it. I had to wear heavy leather gloves to do the repair! Also think that if I had turned the lights off in the shop, I would have seen it glowing!
And I think that if I had driven very far I would have had smoke too. After pulling the wheel off, the caliper was so hot I couldn't touch it. I had to wear heavy leather gloves to do the repair! Also think that if I had turned the lights off in the shop, I would have seen it glowing!