2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission front end hopping in 4 w.d.

[AllenPoole]

01 dodge ram 3500 when 4wd is engaged and making hard L. or R. turn the front end hopes and steering wheel shakes back and fourth had a 99 2500 that one did not act that way any body have any clues All tires are same size and style ??? Oo.

 

[Rattler]

May be a dry or stuck u-joint. Randy

 

[AllenPoole]

do you think in front short shaft or steering knuckles

 

[AllenPoole]

Login off need some sleep will check for reply 2morow thanks

 

[CumminsPower98]

Randy is probably right. It would be a wheel joint at the knuckle.

 

[JDiepstra]

Don't make sharp turns in 4wd on dry / mostly dry pavement. It's happening because the wheels are turning at different speed when they are supposed to be turning together.

 

[PC12Driver]

Mine's done that since new. There has to be some hopping, since the output of a U-joint isn't linear when deflected (the output side will accelerate and decelerate when rotated at an angle).

I drove a 2500 gasser that didn't do it as bad as my 3500 diesel. My guess is the weight of the Cummins keeps the front tires planted and won't let them slip like they did with the gasser. Or maybe the U-joints are larger diameter on the later 3500s (resulting in a greater change in output velocity)? Either way, don't sweat it. It's just nature's way of telling you to not be in 4wd on surfaces with good traction.

If the U-joint was bad, you'd feel it if 4wd was engaged or not, since they're always turning with the front tires.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Oops, I missed the part that it was in 4x4 when it does it, doe. Yes that's normal. The part I don't understand is why it was not noticed in the '99 2500. With all things equal (angle of wheels, type of surface, weight) they should both do the same thing. So either all things are not equal or there is a problem with a part. If a wheel joint was binding maybe it would show up more when in 4x4? Look for signs of rust around the wheel joint cups. If you want to be sure then jack it up, turn the wheels to hard lock one way or the other and spin the tires to make sure everything is free.



The bottom line is that a solid axle 4x4 will always hop and jerk during a sharp turn on the more solid surfaces. Why you didn't notice this in the '99 I don't know.

 

[AllenPoole]

thanks for the info Ill check more into the front end . I did not say that it has happened in wet grass, mudd. and I use the truck to push snow I dont use 4wd most times pushing snow but have to sometimes yesterday it seemed to hop a lot more than usual when I needed it THANKS AGAIN!!!

 

[AllenPoole]

Thanks for the info I will check out the front end more , I didn't say that is has happened in wet grass & mudd . I use the truck to push snow and I noticed it more yesterday when engaged I usualy don't need 4wd when pushing with a slide in salt box but some times I need it to get around 2001 Ram 3500 Quad Cab Mostly stock for now

 

[fest3er]

01 dodge ram 3500 when 4wd is engaged and making hard L. or R. turn the front end hopes and steering wheel shakes back and fourth had a 99 2500 that one did not act that way any body have any clues All tires are same size and style ??? Oo.

Left: Hey, I got too much traction. You turn.

Right: Eff that, pal. I ain't gonna turn. You turn!

Left: Up yours! Turn!

Right: Bite me! It's your turn!



If it happens only on dry(-ish) pavement, this is completely expected. But I think you already know that. It's possible that the extra weight of the snow pusher and the salt shaker increase the tire traction, thus exacerbating the condition.



If it happens on slick/snowy surface, you're almost guaranteed to have a failed or failing ujoint. If so, you should also feel the steering wheel shake a little or you might hear the ujoint rattle during sharp turns in 2WD. You should also see significant rust around one or more bearing caps.



With the axles connected fulltime, it is rare to have a ujoint 'freeze' up, since they are always turning (unless the truck sits for months at a time). When they don't always turn, one axis can easily seize, as happened several times on my old F150, dog rest it.



Is the tire pressure correct, and equal?

 

[CumminsPower98]

Its not likely for the joints to freeze solid if driven regularly but they sure can get stiff. I just recently changed out a wheel joint on a '97 and it was nearly impossible to move the joint by hand with the axle out.

 

[fox]

Read the owners manual or the sun visor!!!!

All of these trucks use PART - TIME 4 WD.

When turning ( any surface conditions), the tires -front to rear- are turning in a different radius. Therefore the front are trying to turn more times as compared to the rear.

with PART-TIME 4WD, the drive shafts are locked. In low traction situations the tires can slip, on dry pavement they are likely to break something.

Your other truck must of been slipping a rear tire, since there is less weight back there.

If you continue, you will damage something.

 

[AndrewKing]

Hmmm... If the 99 didn't do it maybe it was NOT in 4 W. D. DESPITE what you may have thought.....

Andrew

 

[JDKammin]

The only time I will get the symptoms you describe with my 96 ext cab long box, is when I am turning real sharp. I have heard of the axle shaft joints seizing and will be real noticeable when turning. Jack up the front of your truck with the tires straight ahead. Spin the tires by hand and get a feel for how both tires spin. Turn the tires to the right or left and spin the tires. You will know if you have a bad joint.

 

[fox]

It is mechanical binding!!!!!!

 

[jkalchik]

Hmmm... If the 99 didn't do it maybe it was NOT in 4 W. D. DESPITE what you may have thought.....

Andrew

That's possible, if the axle connect isn't functioning. Mine wasn't for a while, bent axle tube.