My 97 2500 4X4 has developed a clicking sound in the front wheel. I notice it when backing from my driveway and turning. I once owned a front wheel drive honda that did the same thing and I had to replace the CV joints. Same type of sound and symptom. Do these trucks have the same type of drive system or is there likely to be another cause? What would be a ballpark price?
Thanks, John

 

It's your u-joints. To make sure grab on to it and twist it back and forth, if it has play, replace it or if you do off roading it will bust and take the axle out with it. New U-joints are around $100 for 2. Make sure and get Spicer, don't get em from the dealer or they'll cost you twice as much, get em from NAPA or something. The shops around my town charge $700 for front u-joints. I'm pretty sure you can do it in your garage, all it takes is a 9/16" 12pt. socket and a 30 oz. hammer to get the hard part done (getting the hub free from the axle). Other than that it is very straight forward. No special tools except for a 1 5/16" (pretty sure) socket for the hub nut.

 

I agree 100% with crimedog I have had this in my 2001 1/2 ton gasser when I had it and my 95 2500 ctd when I had it I replaced one on the 95 drivers side and wasn't 2 weeks later pass. side broke. so look into doing both at once. if you do it yourself get a chiltons or other manual and follow what crimedog says he hit it right on the head

 

Thanks for the information. I expect I will do it myself if time permits. John

 

Sorry 'bout that, instead of 1 5/16", it is 1 11/16". Might as well buy yourself a 3/4" drive set if you don't already have one, I've used it countless times on the truck. When I did it, It took about 4 hours of working time, the first side took 3 1/2 hours, the other side took 1/2 hour.