hamilton71801

Don't know if this would be considered non-drivetrain or not but maybe its in the right forum. Anyway, lately I've been getting a slipping feeling and popping noise when I turn slow and sharp. It feels like something is going to fall off and I can't really tell if its coming from the front or rear. I did change my rear axle fluid @ 30K ago and did add friction modifier and haven't had any trouble until now. Could this be a u-joint or should I go straight to the axle fluid or check elsewhere?

sheriffav8r

Is it like 4WD is engaged? That's a pretty big pop when that is engaged. You might have someone outside the vehicle listen for it while you do figure 8's on pavement to help isolate it. From your description it sort of sounds like front ball joints, maybe?

hamilton71801

Not in 4x4 and I replaced the ball joints and axle u-joints @ 45K ago. They really didn't need it but I was chasing a problem and started throwing $$$ at it. It only does it when creeping along and turning sharp to the left. Really strange but it feels like something is slipping and the pop happens the same time as the slip. It feels like once a revolution is made (either on the driveshaft or rear end/front end), then it'll do it. No other problems except the feel/noise.

Number47

do you have locking diffs? detroits lockers do that when it unlocks

infidel

I've seen worn out trackbars act as you describe.
Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth as you watch the driver's side end of the bar. You should see no movement in the ball joint.

This bulletin describes it in way more detail than you need.
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1996/02-06-96.htm

sheriffav8r

I think it sounds like the steering shaft spring thingy that is a piece of junk on our trucks. This guy seems to have it all figured out but it looks like it's a bit hard to actually get to the shaft to perform the fix:

http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/

If you do a search on steering there's a plethora of threads on our clunky trucks.

wadecool

There's a DIY fix to tighten up the steering shaft using plastic zip ties. Basically, you wedge one in either side of the extension joint. Try it, it works.

sheriffav8r

How's that look and where do you put them exactly?

wadecool

There's a slip yoke in the center of the shaft that will have some play in it. Take 2 plastic zip ties & cut them off at the male tapered ends, about 1 1/2in length. Then wedge one on either side of the top & bottom of the yoke. Finall take a 3rd zip tie & tighted it around the exposed parts of the other 2 ties. This has actually helped tighten up the play in my wheel & cost 10 minutes & less than $1. Hope that helps.