im getting front end grinding/ringing at about 50mph on my 2005 ram 3500 4x4, and just recently is squealing intermittently at around 70+ mph, but not always. need help, havent found anything similar online.

the ringing sounds kind of like a bell, and it happens at lower speeds also

 

Where does it sound like it is coming from? Could try jacking up the front, and spinning things by hand. See if anything doesn't feel/sound quite right.

 

i think it may be the front drive shaft. can i just take it off if i dont need 4wd?

 

Yep. Not a problem.

 

If you go to that much trouble, why not fix it and put it back on. Just in case you DO need 4X4 sometime. I just have this thing about things ought to work like they're designed. On another note, have you tried weaving at speed? Does the noise change going around a curve? If it gets louder one way and lessens the other, it may be a wheel bearing.

 

its the transfer case. it has holes gouged in the rear case cover...so hopefully a new cover is all i need...i already removed the front drive shaft, and theres no more noise