U joints are designed to break first.

 

U joints can and will go mucho miles without lube, or even needle bearings. It all depends on how the truck is driven

 

Any updates Skip? you have me curious as to what the problem turned out to be!

 

my dad had a 2001 dodge ram v10 4x4 and the drive shaft was the problem had the exact same symptoms....he had a custom stainless steel drive shaft made and replaced the u-joins and the problem never showed up again.....u gotta think the amount of torque from a diesel on that drive shaft.....definately sounds like the problem.....im thinking of getting some new u-joints myself here is a good site for aftermarket u-joints.... http://www.drivetrainoutlet.com/Products-U_Joints.html

 

Just picked it up from the dealership and what they found was a bad u-joint (center) one that is. Froze up I guess is what they said. 42,995 miles, seems a little early for the u-joints to go bad. How long before the other two go?? By the way I have a KN cone hi-performance air filter system for sale 2005 diesel with about 20,000 miles on it, all cleaned up re-oiled and ready to go. I will take half of new plus shipping and shipping is just the cost to get it where your are any way you want it. PS this should fit other years but you will have to check on that.