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2004 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 keeps breaking front drive shaft
3rd Gen Ram Tech2002-2008 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2002 through 2008 Rams Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
It eliminates the CV issues yes. Those front facing dished rubber boots on our front shaft CVs are just... stupid.
Personally, I think having rubber boots that are CRITICAL to a parts reliable operation, down low in harms way..... is a pretty significant design flaw.... On cars, ok, that's fine, but, on a 4x4 truck that is MEANT to be used off road????
I keep breaking front drive shafts in my 2004 dodge ram 1500 with the 4.7 in it. This is probably the 5th one. Here is the info I have. I'm hoping someone can figure this out. I'm at my ends with this thing!
If the truck is in 4x4 or 4x2 the transfer case output spline to the front diff spins. (Front drive shaft removed)
If I manually spin either front tire by hand the other front tire doesn't move. (Both tires off ground)
When I manually spin either front tire by hand I can see the yoke on the front diff turning. I've had the front diff case open and didn't see any shavings.
With drivers side tire on ground, I can easily spin passenger side tire by hand.
With passenger side tire on ground, I can easily spin drivers side tire by hand.
I did notice yesterday that the passenger side CV axle has partially released from the differential spline.
Truck is a automatic transmission but a 4x4 floor shifter. (non electric)
Truck does not have an actuator.
Transfer case model- New Process 241.D
Front drive shaft is a Doorman. 300$ range. It supposed to be a decent shaft. (This has a U joint at the diff yoke and CV joint near the T Case).
Tires verified all to be the same size.
No wobble due to wheel bearings or ball joints.
Front end is aligned and drives straight.
There are no lifts on the truck, All gearing, diffs, t case, all stock.
The shaft has been in the truck for about 2 months and in 2wd only with no problems. The past 2 weeks we have had heavy snow so 4wd has been on. There are patchy dry spots on the highway, top speed was 45 mph. Very few turns made. Some guys on FACEBOOK thought that could be the problem. I've had this truck for 20 years and that was never an issue but I suppose it could be.
The front shaft propeller joint is is twisting and breaking. Any ideas? I don't think the transfer case out put should be spinning in 4x2 but I could be wrong. This is not and AWD truck.
