jon5

My friend has an 2001 and his front draft does not turn unless he is in 4x4. My 2003 spins when it is in 2H, why? Wouldn't that just wear out more parts, cause lower fuel mileage, etc? It does not appear to actually be in 4x4 when it spins. When I do put it in 4x4, I definitely know it. How can it spin, but not really be engaged? Front seal also leaks.

jeff-kc9ftp

Up to '02 the front axle had a system inside that would "somewhat" diconnect the drive axle from the wheel. If you look on the '01, you'll see an extra hump on the axle tube that the '03 doesn't have. That's the CAD section. So you when you put the transfer case in 4wd, it connected the gears in the xfer case AND connected that side of the axles inside the front end housing.

Beginning in '03, the axles were changed to AAM brand, they did away with the CAD. So, everything is always connected from the tire all the way to the xfer case input. When you go to 4wd the only thing that happens is the gear connection inside the xfer case.

The only way(s) around the '03+ style would be swap in a new front end or installing one of the locking hub kits that are out there. I don't know how hard/easy the axle swap would be. The lockout hub kits didn't sound too bad but cost was around $1200 +/-. If I remember kits also got rid of the unit bearing hub, as well.

Jeff S.

92'1stGen

I believe the Dana axles in the 2002 and older trucks have an electronic sender that engages 4wd which allows the front drive train to not spin when in 2wd. The AA axles on the 03 to current trucks don't have such a system and are locked all the time at the front wheel hubs making the front drive train spin in 2wd. I'm sure someone else can give a more in depth description than mine. The way to cure this is to install a set of manual locking hubs from Dynatrac, EMS Off Road, or Solid Axle.

This should give you a better idea.
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...l+locking+hubs

carl48

the 01 has a vacuum solenoid that pulls a sleeve to connect the passenger side axle and the spider gears are still spinning when moving . the 03 engagement is done only in the transfer case thus the the only other parts that move are the ring gear , pinion and drive line. this is why the mpg increase with free spin hubs was not as great as thought it should be. but if you put the free spin hubs on you will love it the first time you back a trailer around in 2wd low reverse you will kick your self for not doing it the day you bought the truck

pullin hard

the 01 and down trucks that use the dana 60 in front are a weaker set up. you can however switch to the manual hubs on both styles of axle, and can up grade the parts for the dana 60. not sure about the AAM, i think you can up grade the shafts too, but not 100% sure. the newer trucks do spin, but not powered until the t case is engaged.when my buddy did his 98 dodge, he went with the EMS kit, and although not as good as the dynatrac kit, was cheaper. and he hasn't noticed any mileage increase. his is a 12 valve stick, so he gets pretty decent mileage already.

jon5

Thanks for the replies. I thought there was something wrong with my truck. Good to know it is still okay!

Patrolman808

You could always just pull the front driveshaft. I kept mine in my toolbox incase I ever needed it.

mpw8679

I dont think u would gain much by doing this since all the running gear in the front axle is still turning.

Patrolman808

Probably not, but mine was binding from the lift so I pulled it.