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1994+ Dodge Ram Commonly Seen Axle & Driveshaft Problems

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• Rear axle hop - affects HD trucks when pulling trailers, aftermarket springs are the only fix

• Bearing failure due to insufficient preload (rare)
  • Loose hub nut causes bearing failure

• 2000+ 2WD models with drivetrain shudder while towing a trailer - Shim center carrier bearing down 1/4" to eliminate driveshaft whip. NOTE: older models have TSB's issued to replace the 2 piece driveshaft with a one piece design..

• Drivetrain shudder when accelerating from a stop
  • TSB 03-02-96  replace two piece driveshaft
• Automatic transmission shudder or erratic shifting - Check throttle position sensor.
• Drivetrain Vibration - can be:
  • The factory tires - OEM Goodyear Wrangler AT's reported most often
  • bent rim - very common with the SLT chrome rims
  • bad ball joints - common problem on '94 & early '95 2500HD 4X4
  • bad steering damper (several have been reported) replace with Rancho 5000 or equiv.
  • worn factory shocks (they die young - replace by 20,000 miles!)
  • Automatic transmission - flash program the PCM  to update torque converter operation
  • TSB 03-02-96 change the 2 piece drive shaft to a 1 piece
  • Worn axle or driveshaft U-Joint
  • etc - good luck! Several people have had to resort to lemon laws

• Failure to lock into 4WD - usually caused by a vacuum leak
  • Fuel, engine oil, transmission fluid, or axle oil can soften the vacuum lines causing a leak
  • Brush can snag the vacuum lines can cause a leak
  • See the 4X4 CAD diagnosis page
• Difficulty shifting into 4-Low Range
  • Most common with automatic transmissions - put the transmission in Neutral and shift the transfer case quickly with the vehicle stopped or moving VERY SLOWLY (<2mph)
  • If the transfer case gets stuck in the neutral position, turn off the engine, place the transmission in neutral, and work the transfer case shift lever until it engages.
  • Make sure you engage the transfer case every couple of weeks to keep parts lubricated, and prevent mechanism binding
• Intermittent Transfer Case Grind
  • Check the shift linkage adjustment
  • Check for a broken or missing snap ring on the T-case output shaft bearing
  • Check engine and transmission mounts for a loose or broken mount.
  • Check the bellhousing bolts and transmission to T-case bolts

Last Update - March 22, 2000