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2003 Dodge Ram 4WD will not work - both CV joints make snap

Tiny
DFDEAN1
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 134,256 MILES
I recently attempted to put my truck into 4H - when I heard snapping - clicking noises coming from front axles and no 4WD. Upon further inspection - with each front wheel off the ground and transfer case in 4H - I can turn both front wheels and here a snapping sound in each CV joint - CV joint also seems to jump slightly when it makes the snapping, clicking noise. Are the CV joints busted in both front axles? - Or might I have another issue? - Thanks
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Thursday, January 21st, 2010 AT 12:31 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
With the trucks front end off the ground and an assistant activating 4X4, do the axles spin? Are the boots split open on the cv joints? Can you hold the axle and rotote the wheel?
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Thursday, January 21st, 2010 AT 10:02 PM
Tiny
DFDEAN1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Last night I put truck on jack stands - all 4 wheels up - and activated 4 wd - axles spin from front differential but once again make the snapping, clicking noise and jumping motion at each CV joint. Wheels did turn slightly but could be stopped with just grabbing wheel which would increase the clicking snapping noise from CV joint. Boots do not appear to be split. I did not attempt to hold axle and sping tire, but will try that as well. Any further thoughts based on this additional information?

Thanks
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Friday, January 22nd, 2010 AT 6:17 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
To look up any info, I need to know if it has an aluminum or cast iron diff on the front?
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Friday, January 22nd, 2010 AT 8:32 AM
Tiny
DFDEAN1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Definatley looks to be aluminum --
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Friday, January 22nd, 2010 AT 8:37 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I would start by pulling the cover off and checking for any internal damage to the gears. Or the transfer case needs to be looked at, Check fluid level.. Here are the diagnostic charts, top is axles, bottom transfer case.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_1_57.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_2_47.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_tcase1_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_tcase2_1.jpg

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Friday, January 22nd, 2010 AT 10:23 AM
Tiny
DFDEAN1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I identified the LH CV shaft splines to be damaged causing the axle shaft to spin around on the end of the CV shaft -- replaced LH CV shaft - no more clicking snapping - 4wd works again -- Now with truck in two wheel drive a whining (low pitch) noise coming from front end area most noticable at 50 MPH + - also can feel the drag of the front axles - although I have confirmed transfer case is engaging and disengaging properly -- any thoughts on this issue?
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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 AT 7:29 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
If the splines on the inner end of the shaft were damaged, it's possible the metal shavongs wiped out either the carrier bearings, pinion bearings, or both.
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Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 AT 12:51 PM

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