Hi all! Long time reader, first time poster. First let me say thanks to all those in this forum for all their in put.

I purchased a 2002 Ram 1500, 4.7 4x4 quad cab with 165k miles last November. When I test drove it, I noticed a vibration in the rear of the truck starting at about 60 mph and didn't go away with higher speeds. I thought it was just a wheel out of balance. Since this was just going to be a work truck and not a daily driver, I didn't think too much of the vibration. (I have barely put a 1000 miles on it since I bought it). I put 4 new tires on the truck. Still vibrated. I brought the truck in 3 times to be balanced and even rotated. Still vibrated. The tire shop I go to, Les Schwab, raised up the rear end and let the tires spin, I could see an obvious bent right rear axle shaft. That is simple enough. Replaced it and it now spins true. Still vibrates. I pulled the driveshaft and took it into be balanced. U joints were bad and the shaft was bent. The joints were replaced and the shaft straightened. Still vibrates.

There is no vibration to be felt in the steering wheel. The vibration seems to be behind me or under me when it is felt. I have searched this forum for answers, but haven't found any. Do any of you have any clues? Or maybe I missed the thread that address's and maybe one of you can point me to it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mark

 

check and see if you have any movement in the output shaft to the rear diff at the transfer case output. Mine vibrates starting at 60 also, found some play at the yoke coming out of the rear transfer-----just a heads up---something else to check

I just turned 160K

 

Output shaft or I'd be looking at the frame, sounds like that truck went thru hell before you bought it...

 

Thanks guys for the quick response. I'll take a look at the output shaft and the frame. The truck was immaculate when I bought it. CarFax only showed one minor thing back in 2003. I was surprised that the interior showed no wear, but now I wonder if it had been reupholstered. Thanks Again.

 

Sounds internal. I had a pinion seal put in mine under warranty and now it has a vibration at 60 to 65MPH It does clear up by 70mph. I checked and even rotated the driveshaft 180* and it's still there. I just haven't been able to get it back to the dealer. Might be the same issue.
You might also pull the cover and check for missing c-clips that may have damaged some internals if it has LS.

 

I found a driveline shop in town here. I think if time allows, I'm gonna run it in there and get the rear driveline checked out. If it bent for any reason, I'll have them manufacture a new one---they do custom stuff too.