Ram Trucks Greasing Driveshaft U-Joints

[Stoshu]

This is a very real issue on RAM 4x4's where the front drive shaft spins even when not engaged in 4wd. Our family business operates a fleet of these RAM's and we had a 2012 RAM 4500 4x4 that the front u-joint went unserviced (before they started informing everyone with the stickers). At about 105K it came unglued and destroyed the truck. Took out the transmission, transfer case, fuel lines, wiring harnesses, etc... and then caught fire from the fuel spray. Fire was extinguished, but it still cost over $17K to fix the damage. Our insurance covered it, and last I heard, they were pursuing subrogation for reimbursement from RAM.

Point of the story is that they definitely need to be greased, and as others have pointed out, most dealers don't even know how. The fitting is hidden really well in the double cardan joint, just in front of the transfer case. It's just a little indentation with a spring loaded ball bearing in it for a needle greaser. This is the one we found works best for the job:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Ski Pro 3]

Unless you got locking hubs on the front wheels, the drive shaft turns just from the wheels spinning the differential and thus the drive shaft. The disconnect is in the transfer case, but all the front stuff is spinning if you are rolling.

[Mrhavasu]

This does not apply to 2014 and up. In 2014 the disconnect is electric and in the front diff, no longer vacum at the hubs.
So now the front drive shaft does not turn until 4 wheel is engaged. Prior years everything was moving and lubing up was needed.
We had a insurance claim to investigate when a 2013 destroyed the transfer case, trans and a bunch of other stuff, over not greasing
that joint. Glad Ram changed it.

[merrittbtgd]

Owned a number of 3/4th ton diesels, ram and power stroke. Those ujoints were probably lubed at the factory. They should run a long time on one lube (75,000)

[Mrhavasu]

The problem with those is they are not really a u joint, cant remember the name but they need that lube on a regular basis.

[jlreaa]

Nope drive shaft always turns unless you have hub lockouts, turns clear back to the transfer case.

[Steven@147]

Here is what you are looking for. With the truck in park, all wheels on the ground, I was able to turn the front driveshaft by hand slowly and with a pin flashlight found it on the forward joint. Your not actually grease the U-joints (+) of the double cardan joint, you are greasing the connecting link between them.

[Aridon]

Tag for later

[cfowler55]

Nope drive shaft always turns unless you have hub lockouts, turns clear back to the transfer case.

Mine must be the oddball. There is an axle shaft disconnect on the back side of the right axle tube , similar to what GM has used for years. The axles and outer joints rotate with the wheels , but the driveshaft is independent unless put into 4x4 mode.
Charlie

[Mrhavasu]

Mine must be the oddball. There is an axle shaft disconnect on the back side of the right axle tube , similar to what GM has used for years. The axles and outer joints rotate with the wheels , but the driveshaft is independent unless put into 4x4 mode.
Charlie

You are correct, yours is just like all the other 2014 models and up. Lots of confusion on this.