Hey all,

I recently allowed one of my younger siblings use my 2004 dodge ram 1500 truck 4x4 during a snow storm while I was out of town. He ended up driving it with 4wd engaged for over 3 days. When I returned, he told me that it makes a weird noise in the front end when the 4wd is not engaged.

Took it to a mechanic and he told me that the front axle and differential need to be replaced. The total bill would be $1500 for used parts or $2000 for new ones.

Does this seem like a fair price? and should I go with the used or new? He (the mechanic) had his heart set on me buying the new parts...

Thank you very much!

 

I'm not a mechanic, but in general that doesn't sound like a bad price for an axle and a diff, assuming that includes the installation. I'd guess you're looking at $1000-$1500 in parts at Dodge dealer prices.

But I have to ask. Did you brother drive it in 4LO all the time? I know nothing of his driving habits, but 3 days of driving in 4HI is sort of normal where I live. I probably use 4HI all day an average of 4 days a month. I know 4WD isn't meant to be used at all times, but I don't think this should be an issue.

 

The times I've been with him...he takes really sharp turns. The roads I live on are all near a major HW so they're plowed very fast. I'm guessing dry pavement with sharp turns while it is engaged won't make for a pretty front end lol. It was in 4HI (I pray lol).

Yeah that includes installation. Do you think i should go with the rebuilt differential? It's a $500 difference.

Thank you for the response!

w/ rebuilt it would total $1500. New differential is $2000 (with installation and axle)

 

If the $2000 is in the range of what you can afford I would go new. just my 2cents.

 

good time to upgrade your gears!!!!! i would go new

 

What is the problem? Side gears ? Seems kind of odd the hole diff is tost.

 

For a $500 difference in price, I'd go new. You are only getting 25% off for buying used. I'm just trusting the mechanics assessment that it needs replacing. It might be worth the extra money to just get a second opinion if no one here has any better ideas.

 

I hope my axle doesnt take a dumb if I ever decide to around in 4H.

 

Just dont do it in dry weather JonnyBlaze... Im surprised he didnt notice the truck binding up around corners.... Chrysler has the technology for 4wd Full-Time and Part-Time... Seen on their jeep grand cherokees back in 2000.... I dont understand why they dont incorporate it into their dodge trucks...

 

And.....how much of all this is your sibling paying for
Al.