A friends truck (2006) front pinion seal is leaking. The truck has only been in 4wd a couple of times. After looking it over the front drive shaft turns all the time. Is this right even in 2wd? Thanks...

 

Yes. The axles do not disengage from the front wheels.

 

3rd gen dodge 4wd have a locked axle just like the rear

 

Has nothing to do with it, they do not have "free wheeling hubs" so the axles turn all the time hence the d-shaft turns all the time. It in my opinion is a set-up that is of poor design but they do it because people want "on-the-fly" four wheel drive. It also knocks the MPG down. If I had two grand I would be getting the Dyna kit.

Also they are not "locked" it is a limited slip, way different then a locker.

 

I don't think the front axle is even LS????

I do miss the manual hubs like my Ford had...very handy for backing trailers uphill in 2WD Lo range...not possible with the Dodge.

 

I do not think they are either!!!

 

I had front possi with manual locking hubs in a 90 bronco. Believe me, you can't have possi in the front and expect to drive down the highway with the hubs locked. Those of you that have, know what I mean.

 

The front is open diff.
Yeah it turns constantly but I actually think its a better system than the old vacuum line setup on the 2nd gen trucks.
The new system is very simple and works every time.

 

+1 I had my Ford in the shop more than once, because the vacum pumped failed and it would not disengage 4wd.

 

The parts you save with manual hubs is all the U joints on the front drive, usually 4. The front diff should last the life of the truck. Our front bearing design is just barely OK if you stick with stock tires and rims and stay out of deep water as there is no way to service them and they are expensive compared to the old style.