Hey FreeStyle,

Nope, not even a nimor play on either of the ends. Each time I brought I brought my truck into my mechanic (at least 5 times), to chace down where the clunking was coming from, they verified the tie rod ends were solid.... and it's not like the shop I go to is a rinky-dink mom & pop shop. It's a Brausen Certified Auto Repair shop, and my mechanic has worked on all my vehicles for the past 13 years, so I know he knows what he's doing, but this one really baffled us.

Still, after all that... I love my truck, and I'm loving driving it even more now.
~KidAce

 

I just replaced my front cv axles and they still make that noise. But my front differential doesn't move like that may be part of your problems

 

Hey Lucky,

You know, after I replaced both tie rod ends, the clunking noise did finally go away, so then, I asked my mechanic about the noise and play my CV Axles makes when I shook it by hand. He said that's "normal".

I guess on the 2002 - 2008 (3rd Gen) Rams, the front Diffs are monted on rubber bushings/platform, so there would be enough give to absorb all the vibrations the front axles make when 4WD is engaged, due to its angle of disposition (from the Diff to the axle Hub and bearing assembly).

We'll see if the noise returns again. If not for a few years, then I'm good, but if returns in less than 2 years, I'll have them CV Axles replaced...along with my Rack & Pinion.

~KidAce

 

Glad to see you got the issues resolved and at a less price!!

 

When you took your CV axle out what did you use to hold your wheel bearing together? With out that nut they can separate also you still could of damaged your wheel bearing.

 

Great question Troy,

A buddy of mine, who drives a 2006 Ram, had replaced his CV Axles, a while back, and kept his old one (for some strange reason). I'm glad he did though, cuz we were able to disassemble the U-joint on both Axles and took the inner part to plug into the CV box. Worked like a champ.

~KidAce