Vibration - Rear End or Differential

[RBenton]

I have a 2008 one ton dually with 68K miles on it and was heading out for the weekend with my horse trailer when I started to notice a vibration coming from the driver shaft (universal joints) or the rear end. It began as hardly noticeable and within 10 miles was very significant. I was about 25 miles from home so I crawled back at about 15 MPH. Also, if I start my rig (total of about 23,000 lbs.) and turn at the same time there seems to be a grinding feeling coming from he rear end area. I have noticed this for over 5 years and thought it was normal.

Has anyone experienced this issue?

 

[seafish]

Probably ujoints failing.

 

[EB]

If you notice the vib while going straight down the road it is more than likely a u joint (more than likely the rear one) The grinding while loaded and turning is common, is the anti-lock setup on the truck. Can be helped by changing the oil in the rear end. I just had the rear end overhauled on my truck and the repair shop went back with the Dodge oil and a anti slip additive and it was terrible. I usually use Amsoil, changed the oil and went back with the Amsoil severe gear 75/90 with NO limited slip additive in it (you should not use it in the type of rear end we have) and the problem was solved. I pull a big goose neck all the time and am pretty much up on all the little quirks these trucks have.

 

[RBenton]

Thanks guys. I'll start with thru U-Joints first. I guess if I jack up the rear end and run it I will see the drive shaft wobble. Randy

I have a 2008 one ton dually with 68K miles on it and was heading out for the weekend with my horse trailer when I started to notice a vibration coming from the driver shaft (universal joints) or the rear end. It began as hardly noticeable and within 10 miles was very significant. I was about 25 miles from home so I crawled back at about 15 MPH. Also, if I start my rig (total of about 23,000 lbs.) and turn at the same time there seems to be a grinding feeling coming from he rear end area. I have noticed this for over 5 years and thought it was normal.

Has anyone experienced this issue?

 

[seafish]

Best way to check the u joints is to get an IR thermometer and use it to check the temp of each and every joint cap after driving the truck for while. Elevated temps on any cap indicate a bad bearing/cap/joint. Harborfreight has IR thermometers pretty dam cheap and they are supper useful for checking brake/diff and axle temps, or even for grilling meat (lol)

FYI-- if you DO jack the truck up to inspect the driveshaft, use a pry bar to rotate and pry in each joint cross and look for play/movement. Obviously do so WITHOUT the truck running!! The reason I say this is that these larger driveshafts/ujoints can lock or bind into place where you simply cannot fell the play or movement by hand.

 

[DFerverda]

In my 2nd gen, i just look for Rust Dust around the bad joint, cause it is always there.