Hey guys, I just picked up a used 2004 Ram 1500 Q/C Hemi 4x4. I notice it has a slight rattle coming from the front end. Its hard to pinpoint, I can't tell exactly where its coming from. You can barely hear it on flat dry pavement, but you get on any sort of rough road it rattles. I checked under the hood, its nothing obvious rattling around. It almost seems suspension related maybe? But the other thing is when you shut the truck off, and the engine kinda shakes a bit when it shuts off, you can hear it a bit. It still has warranty, but I'd like to know what it is so I can get it fixed. Thanks!

 

I would jack up the front end and start checking ball joints and tie rod ends. Prolly not a bad idea to do periodically anyway. Crawl under it and check away...
dw

 

Stabilizer bar linkages are probably shot.
It's a known silent issue.
Have 'em replaced and the rattles will go away.
Had to have it done on my 03, and I'm about to have it done on my 06.

 

i have an 02 and i have had to replace my shocks. they were making a rattling noise over bumps. the rubber peices were rotted out making metal to metal contact. mine is a two wheel drive. its a long shot so i thought i would share my experience.

 

Well, thanks for your help guys. I finally figured out what it was. The adjustable rubber hood stops were way too low. So even though the hood closed nicely, it was a bit loose. I snugged them up by turning them out a bit, and bingo. No more front rattle.