Sometimes the upper control arm bushings or a ball joint can create noise on these trucks.

 

I found the problem. It was the sway bar link rod on the right side. Almost 1/4" of linear "slop" at the ball joint end. Had to pry around in there to find it. Took it out, noise is gone. Ordered a pair of new ones for $31 shipped.

Anyone know the torque specs for the nuts on those, especially the upper one? I am never sure how much to crush those rubber donuts.

Thanks far all the suggestions. At least for now, everything actually WORKs.....

 

They usually get about 20-25lb-ft or so.The bushings need to compress pretty far.

 

I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 5.7 hemi mega cab 4wd, last week I started hearing transfer case motor randomly engaging when truck was off and key in pocket. The next day while driving to mecanic, 4wd light and service 4wd light started blinking. Mecanic told me he has fixed multiple of these in the last several years, that it was the Transfer case Motor(TCM). Three days later I picked my truck up and it’s doing the exact same thing. Mecanic said it must be a defective part and replaces it again. Picked my truck up yesterday and within an hour of leaving mecanic shop it’s randomly shifting into 4wd while I’m on interstate.

does anyone have an actual solution?

 

Well I had a lot of the same symptoms as you and the TCM fixed mine, but sounds like it didn't for you so must be something else on your truck. I think I had read that there is a drivetrain control module in the engine bay somewhere. Good luck....