drive shaft

[avstar1k100]

My 2000 Dodge ram van 2500, 3/4 ton. After I removed the drive shaft and ujoints on both ends. But I forgot to mark which end is for axle and transmission. One end is a little bit longer than other end. Could you please point me to the right ends. Thanks

[alloro]

The end where the diameter is reduced starting about 6-8" from the end goes toward the rear axle.

[avstar1k100]

Hi Alloro, this shaft is made of alunium, I've checked and the size from end to end it is the same. The diffrences both ends is about 1/2 longer when measure from center hole (of the ujoint) to the solder mark connected to the shaft. Any idea? TIA

[alloro]

The longer one goes toward the rear axle. Reason being...to give extra clearance to get the bolts in and tightened at the rear axle flange.

[avstar1k100]

Thanks for your replied, what if I installed in the wrong way, what will happen. Thanks again.

[alloro]

Nothing will happen, it's just a rotating shaft and doesn't care which way it turns. The bigger problem you could have if everything wasn't reinstalled the way it came out is vibration. The DS was originally balanced as an assemble, so if the transmission tail piece, the main shaft, and the rear flange do not all line up as they did during the original balancing, then you could experience high speed vibrations at highway speeds.

[avstar1k100]

Thank you Alloro. I guess I reinstalled it back correctly, just in case.

[bratt]

I have a 96 dodge ram and the drive shaft howls when I travel on the freeway.
What should I do?

[alloro]

First, are you positive it's the driveshaft and not a wheel bearing or the rear axle?

[bratt]

I do not know what it is? I can hear the noise in the front and in the rear. The noise gets louder when I accelerate. If I throw it in nuetral it will get quieter.

I have 223,000 miles and never has the differential fluid ever been changed since we owned the Dodge Ram

[alloro]

Sounds more like a problem with the pinion bearings in the rearend.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by alloro

Sounds more like a problem with the pinion bearings in the rearend.

Just to elaborate here....

Differential noise that is dependent on engine load is usually related to the gears themselves.

The ring and pinion gears are of a hypoid design and must be installed in a very specific relationship to each other in terms of clearances and backspacing.

If this gear relationship is disturbed in any way, due to gear / bearing / shim damage or wear, noise will result.

I think at the very least, check the fluid level in the differential. If it is okay, then likely the differential will have to be rebuilt. New bearings and seals would be installed and the gear clearances re-set. If the old gears are too badly worn or damaged, then they would need replacement.

If the fluid is very low, you might get lucky and have the noise go away just by refilling the rear end with the correct gear oil. It's unlikely, but worth a try.

Frankly, with that kind of mileage, I am not surprised the old gears or bearings are pooched. But a couple of lube changes over the years may have helped them live longer.