Ok starting to have a u joint go on my 06 2500 ram(4x4)
and called the factory dealer, and they want 169 bucks each( have 3 on rear drive shaft)

called the local napa store and they are $18.00 each
priced some at auto zone and are $36.00 each

any idea on why the huge difference on factory ones
and any advice on what brand I should buy!

these price differences have me wondering whats up!
also, the dealer told me there are 3 different type of u joints dodge used on there Gas engine 2500 ram trucks
yet all the aftermarket one only have one size??
so whats up with that?

 

Never had a problem with NAPA. Auto Zone on the other had last time I bought anything from them 3 trips and 3 wrong parts.

 

Everyone has their markup, especially dealers. But what you dont say are the manufacture of those joints and warranty lengths one them. Those can also help drive a price up.

 

I don't know who make the factory ones, but all the others are from no namers to better name brands
but all after market(mnon Morap) are with grease fittings, and factory ones are not!

But going from 30 buck to 179, thats a ton of mark up!
I would rather buy the better ones' but over the years I never had major issues or poor failures with after market joints

so was just wondering if anyone knew what dodge was talking about with them having used 3 different size joint on the 06 3/4 ton s
and no after market company having any others, just one size

so is there really a difference in size, or are the factory the same as the aftermarket ones??

thats my biggest concern, as a few thousands off, can make a joint wear out a lot faster or cause a failure on the road and do bigger damage!!
but man to have to dish out 500 bucks for 3 u joints seems crazy!

anyone know about there REALLY being different sized joints on a 063 2500 rear shaft??

 

HA! When we bought my wifes Mini Cooper the right side HID bulb was out. I called BMW for a replacement bulb and they wanted $200 for ONE bulb. I got to searching around and bought a pair of D2S 6k bulbs off ebay for about $15 shipped.

 

I hear you, but that doesn't answer the question of why Dodge says there are 3 different joint sizes and all the aftermarket companys say only one size for an 06/

so are the dealer 's wrong or maybe not telling all!

 

That's why I dont mess with dealers.

I just bought the ujoints with the oil detent or whatever, went up to a shop where my friend works with my axle, and threw him some money. It ended up being under 100 bucks to replace both of them I think.

 

I worked at Champion Auto for 7 years and can tell you that the books at the auto parts stores are the holy bibles. Ask to look in the book, all part stores have them. Some differences in size can be steel or aluminum driveshaft, 1 piece or 2 piece driveshaft, mid ship bearings, inner or outer snap rings, end cap grease fitting, yoke grease fitting on and on. If you want the answers, look in the book. When in the book, read all footnotes pertaining to your driveline, very important. I have a 2006, 2500 4x4 diesel. I know about u-joints. As far as prices, its called dealer mark up. I was given a quote on a fuel filter of $46.85. Cummins brand, $19.83. Pay dealer prices if you want, just be sure your buying quality name brand parts at your parts store. Brute Force u joints are a good brand. Hope this helped you out.

 

I went with spicer u-joints

 

I think Spicer greasables are the way to go..