Just pulled into our campsite 200 miles from home and noticed cracking/snapping sounds when parking the camper. Rear ujoint has one cup that is hot to touch and grease all over it. Before we left there was a slight squeking sound when in reverse. Didnt want to believe it was ujoints since i did them both a year ago. Gotta get home in few days not sure if joint will last. Will try to find a grease gun and give it a shot. Can I remove the driveshaft and limp home in 4wd if I have too? 04 3500 4x4 ctd

 

Whew,, personally, I wouldn't do it myself, the squirt of grease ain't going to help either,, is there a roadside mechanic service offered around, man with a truck and tools?

 

You could move the truck and even limp into town with the rear shaft removed, but I would not pull any big hills or even think about towing with the rear out. All the weight is going through the chain in the transfer case and without the rear end pulling, you could stretch it. I would drop the rear shaft and try to find somewhere close to repair that bad u-joint before towing home. Good luck.

I'm leaving Colorado and heading to La Ronge in a week! Where are you broke down?

 

We are at pike lake near Saskatoon. Is there risk of loosing fluid out of the transfer case with shaft removed?

 

You know what, I had not thought about that but yes, you will probably loose fluid if you try to drive without the rear. You could probably go a few easy miles, but not far. I have driven thousands of miles without my front shaft. It is out now for our trip up north, but with the rear slip joint not in place, it will leak. Can you pull it out and get anyone to ferry you into town? I carry a spare U'joint under the back seat just because these trucks are hard on them.

 

I found out the hard way, get the joint fixed by a good shop or it will vibrate. I drove mine for about 5 miles without the rear drive shaft & it leaked maybe a pint of fluid.

 

Considering how much fluid is in the transfer case to begin with (3ish pints), that is quite a bit.

 

Good point but the fluid will be coming out of the trans.

 

Not sure how you figure that. Last time I checked the rear driveshaft on a 4x4 slid into the transfer case.

 

You are right, I guess I was typing and not thinking.

 

Borrowed a grease gun from park maintenance guy. Sounds a bit better but still has a bit of a squeak. Will try getting 30 miles into Saskatoon tommorrow to get it replaced.

 

I hope you made it. Be sure to get the joints put in by a reputable shop.If they aren't centered it will vibrate.

 

good luck

 

Made it home yesterday. Tried a few shops and couldn't get it done the same day. Bought a grease gun took a chance on making it home. Stopped a few times to force some grease into it. Todays job is to replace it. Hopefully get it done before my night shift tonight.

 

Glad you made it. Were you towing anything? I'll be spending next Tuesday in Saskatoon heading north. Can't wait, and I put new ujoints in about two months ago!