i have a 2002 dodge ram 1500 truck, sport edition. when i drive it, the rear end shakes and sputters sort of like the engine is missing or something. ive replaced all the brakes, plugs, wires, new exhaust, and replaced the computer. it does need tires but thats not the problem. its a violent sputter and it doesnt matter if your accelerating or just driving at a steady speed. engine? tranny probelm? oh and the check engine light is on havent had it hooked up yet to see whats going on with that. im afraid that its the motor.. help!!! haha

 

First thing you need to do is get the codes read at an auto parts store. Any good auto parts store will do that for free. That will give you at least a general idea or a direction to follow to figure out whats wrong with your truck.

I will move this to the 3rd Gen Ram section (2002-2008 Rams).

 

What engine?

Did you read the fault codes?

Check your vacuum. Is it between 17 - 22 inches and steady?

Check your compression. What the specific readings should be will depend on your engine type, but all of the readings should be within about 15% or so of each other.

If you had an '03 Hemi I would say it sounds like you had a broken valve spring.

 

Bad U-joints can cause serious vibrations that can sometimes seem like they are coming from the engine. If you're lucky, that's all it is. Pretty cheap fix as opposed to most engine issues that will cause those symptoms.

But you should absolutely get those codes checked. They may only be silly emission NVLP codes, but you won't know unless you check.

Good luck!

Greg

 

Got my U joints fixed today, was having very similar issues,2 of them in, would have done myself with some help but got it done at a shop, ended up being 335, but its done and were expecting snow, so im happy in the end, but def could have done for cheaper, you might be in the same boat

 

We need the engine codes, could be something as simple as the TPS making it sputter etc....