rick83864

Maybe someone can point me in the right direction. 06 Ram 3500 DRW auto 4x4 with 44k miles. About 20k miles towing 13500 lb 5th wheel with 3300 lbs pin weight. Truck has pulled this combination perfectly until last trip a couple of weeks back. It is hard to explain but there seems to be a shudder effect I believe is coming from the rear end. It almost feels like the wheels are breaking loose on gravel. It only happens at very low speed when accelerating and is gone by the time second gear hits. The truck squats about 4” when hitched up. I tried to search it and saw a few tranny threads and a possible drive shaft u-bolt problem. Sure hope it’s only the u bolts. Transmission oil was changed once at 30k ready to have it done again. (by the way, would you let a Dodge dealer adjust bans?) Truck only does this when pulling the RV.
Thanks for any help.

cbrahs

check your carrier bearing. get air bags. dirve shaft angle when loaded could be causing it too.

kertoncol

I had the same shudder / breaking tires loose on gravel feeling when I hooked up a 7000 lb trailer to my 2003. I had the two-piece drive shaft which was causing the problem. I replaced it but havn't towed anything yet.

If you have a two-piece shaft you might think about replacing it with a one-piece. Get a quote for new u-joints and carrier bearing and the compare it with a new shaft ($520 delivered).

rich

its your u joint

rick83864

Thanks