1999 Dodge Ram Truck is sluggish and hesitates really bad.

DLHCHASERS

MEMBER
1999 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
119,000 MILES

I have a 99 Dodge Ram. Last winter I had a problem w/my 4wd. The mechanic told me my u-joint was broke and my transfer case was going out. Said I could still drive it, just dont put in 4wd - and transfer case will eventually go out and leave me stranded. It is now one winter later and my truck had been driving fine. But recently, it has started hesitating really bad when I give it gas - maybe feels like it's "missing". It is really sluggish going from a stop, but it will also "miss" while driving at high speeds on the highway. Also, just noticed last week that there is a clear oily liquid puddle in my garage - it leaked from the front end of truck in the center. Does it sound like the transfer case is about to go out? I had my transmission rebuilt at 70,000 - does it sound like the transmission? Could it be a fuel filter? Spark plugs? I'm lost and frustrated. I hate to take it back to mechanic because they find a million things wrong with it every time I go in. Any info is appreciated.

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 AT 9:02 AM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi:
If it's a clear it's not ATF. It could be power steering fluid or coolant, but not gas. What I suggest is to place a large piece of cardboard inder the area you found the leak. That way we can tell where the leak is coming from. As far as the rough running, is there a check engine light coming on?

Finally, I question the mechanic who told you the transfer case is going out. If it's not abused, it will out last the truck.

Joe

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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 1:18 PM

DLHCHASERS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The check engine light is not coming on. We did put Seafoam in the fuel and in the oil. It is running much much better - it is still hesitating a little, but getting better the longer I drive it. Honestly, I don't know what to think on the transfer case. I can take it to another mechanic and have them look at it before I have it fixed. When I had it in 4wd last winter it almost wouldn't turn - not the typical pulling of turning a tight corner in 4wd - much worse. Would that be the transfer case causing it - or the u-joint? They tell me they both need replaced. As far as the clear oily liquid it appears to be coming from a gasget on a box located on the front axle on the passenger side - opposite end of the axle from the differential. What is it?

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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 5:21 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

The oil sounds like it's coming from the engagement unit. That is the item that locks the front differential when you put it in 4wd. As far as the transfer case. They are hard to hurt, and the problem you described could come from axle joints or front differential problems. Regardless, I strongly recommend having a second opinion. Are there any other shops that you trust in the area? I know where I live there are shops that work only on standard trans, transfer case, differential. If you go to a general type shop, god knows what they may tell you. From some of the things I've read since I started working with these guys, it's really scary what some shops do.

Let me know what you decide. You may want to make sure the front differential is full of gear lube. I think it takes a standard GL5, but just confirm that with your manual or the parts store.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Joe

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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 9:36 PM

DLHCHASERS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

OK - my check engine light did come on yesterday. It was running super rough. I took it by autozone and had them hook up the diagnostic computer to it. He said it was misfiring on the 7 and 8 cylinder. So we are going to start w/new plugs and see if that fixes it. If there is still a problem, we'll do plug wires. Then if there is still a problem he said it could be fuel injectors. We'll start with cheap and easy first. As for the 4wd - I think that I will take it to a shop that specializes in 4wd.

Thanks so much for your repsonses to this. I really appreciate your information.

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Friday, December 19th, 2008 AT 12:11 PM