I have a 2007 4x4 Hemi Mega. The passenger side front axle u-joint went out at 29000 miles, and now again at 39000 miles. Am I just unlucky with this part, is this problematic part, or is there something potentially causing the u-joints to fail? Thanks!

 

Wrong forum Bro!

 

Yeah, it's a 3rd gen--my bad.

 

If it has auto 4x4 turn if off, put it in 2wd as much as possible and for sure don't drive on just wet or dry pavement in 4 wd. Unless of course you suspect ice when its raining...that does not sound right, gotta be something like a set of defective replacement ujoints. It happens.

 

I definitely use 4WD sparingly, so I hope that it is just bad luck with the previous u-joints. I'm going with after market joints this time.

 

from which company? and is your truck lifted?

 

The u-joints in the front are always spinning - doesn't matter if you are in 2wd or 4wd. You could upgrade to selectable hubs, but they are expensive... bonus is you'd save money on fuel, you might get 1mpg more. Aftermarket u-joints are probably your best bet, atleast it'd be something you can grease regularly.

 

First joint sounds defective.Not uncommon on Dodges.Tons of 3rd gen diesel lost u/joints be it u/joint or drive shafts at low mileage.Most all were dry in the cups.In fact Chrysler came out with a TechNote to pull caps and add grease.You'd think it would be corrected by now.Lets see how many more fail.Yours might have been a fluke.Now your SECOND joint sounds like a INSTALL failure.I'd check it over close.

 

Install a greasable joint, although they are not as strong overall it it will make it easier to service. You can also draw a line across the top of each cap and keep an eye on it to see if it is spinning or moving at all.