I have a 2002 Ram 1500 and yesterday when i went to drive it developed a grinding/clunking noise coming from what sounds like the front passenger side of the car. It's hard to exactly locate where the sound is coming from, but it's definitely the front. When I'm going fairly slow (<20 mph) it does it constantly and violently. I originally thought a rock may have gotten stuck under by break pad, but after driving a short distance, breaking hard, going in reverse, it's still there. For some reason, i decided to put my truck in 4x4 and the sound goes away when i put it in 4x4 but comes back when i put it back in 2 wheel drive. I haven't gotten under it yet, but am looking for suggestions. I live in Alaska, so there aren't any options for salvage yards.

Like i said, i parked it and it was fine. Turned it on later that day and it had the described symptoms.

With it going away in 4x4, I'm thinking maybe my transfer case? I can do a lot of mechanical stuff, but i'm in the dark on this kind of stuff. Any help would be appreciated. I found another question, but their problem seemed to only last for a short time, mine is basically constant once i get over 10 mph. Under 10, fairly normal, over 10 awful, didn't try over 20 because of the severity of the noise (in 2 wheel drive).

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-ram-tech/391741-grinding-noise-in-2-wheel-but-not-4-wheel-drive.html

Thanks.

 

The only thing that would change going from 2wd to 4wd, is the transfer case. I would start looking there

 

CAD is on the front, passenger side..... Does the 2002 still have it?

 

Center axle disconnect? I have my 2002 owners manual and it doesn't make any mention of a 'CAD' or 'center axle disconnect'... so guessing not. But that's a great question, I hadn't even looked if that could be it. If I do/did have one, that would be a great place to check.

Edit: Looks like no.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/...t-axle.218968/

 

Yeah, I think you are independent front suspension, are you not?

 

He does

 

Moving this to third gen Ram section then.

 

Just information for you Brian, 02-current 1500s have independent front suspension. They don't have REAL axles like ours

 

Thanks everyone for the help and ideas. I ended up figuring it out and it's my passenger side CV axle. When I jacked up my truck to take my tire off and investigate it, my tire spun freely and my axle clicked and jumped around.

 

Thanks for following up with your fix!