dodge rammed again

[homersipes]

So we have a 97 ram 3500 at work, developed a problem where tach didnt work, and had NO power, wouldnt shift right.  So we were told the PCM was bad, replaced that, but still didnt work, so it went to dodge.  come to find out it was a crank position sensor.  They went and picked it and and noticed a horrible vibration, so I crawled underneath and noticed the driveshaft was sloppy, so first thought never worked on one was a ujoint. So I pulled the front driveshaft out and this is what I found.

also noticed passenger front ujoint was bad, outer tierod end also and the lower balljoint on passenger side.  So this is going to be my project at work lol

[mcboi]

yea those dodge rams are notorious for front end parts going bad. I would have to say 1 outta every 3 we see needs ball joints,bearings, tie-rods or something lol

[uptown]

2 hour job at the most. If that all you have to do today then you have it made   

[The Fugitive]

2 hour job at the most. If that all you have to do today then you have it made   

Not if all you have is a couple of adjustable wrenches, a hammer and an old screwdriver!

[Flench]

WOW , how long you been running like that ?

[Slate]

  It's hard to Dodge problems. 

[icepac]

No returns on electrical items.

[Maverick]

Vehicle is more than 13 years old. How many miles and how rough were they? You do understand that moving machinery does wear out, right?   

[homersipes]

well got the tie rod end, front ujoint and ball joint all done, but driveshaft was so far gone needs to be replaced.  Got pictures on phone, but dont know how to upload them here so I will take a cpl more pics on monday has 90k on it

[Flench]

but driveshaft was so far gone needs to be replaced. 

I could tell that from your first pic . Why I ask how long you been running like that .

[Dadsguns]

Its obvious that it was like that for some time.... You should have had some indication/noise/vibration a long time ago....

Give me a break; don't listen to the idiots that talk trash about dodge/ford/cheby .... yes 1 ton 4x4's will go through Ujoints and ball joints like no other, no matter which make you choose ( I have owned all three ) especially if you have larger tires and actually go mudding with them.

Your really lucky it didn't cause any more damage had that drive shaft came off and torn up something else slamming underneath.

[homersipes]

I have only ridden in it once and I HONESTLY couldnt hear anything or any vibrations that I noticed.  yup 1 ton 4x4s go through front end parts.

[Fud]

its too bad we couldnt just pull up to a repair pad or something and wait 30 seconds or so to get things fixed...

[homersipes]

 
may the force be with you

[SmokinLoon]

Somewhere there is a person posting pics of a Chebby, Ford, Toy, Nissan, and every other truck maker out there doing the same thing.   

All things mechanical break down.  The way in which the mechanical device is used, abused, and maintained will determine its longevity.  I think we all can relate to the "very reliable" vehicle and the "piece of junk" vehicle, and the accompanying type of persona that trumpets their opinion.

For me, I'm a Ford guy because I like their styling and their theory on motors.  Dodge is not far behind.  Third is GMC.  I think Toyotas are a fad and over the next few years after they have had the same problems come up like the big boys they too will get slapped in the face with reality.  But to each their own. I think for the most part just go buy a truck, treat it well, and *expect* maintenance and mechanical issues based on how you use it and care for it.