hello, I have a dodge 2005 2500 4x4 quad cap diesel, when I put it into 4wheel drive I hear a poping noise, it only does it when its in 4 wheel drive. I am on the road in stillwater ok. Is this something I can fix in the parking lot, I have some tools with me. also the front drive shaft has alot of play in it, is that normal. can some one tell me how to fix this problem.

 

Look for loose u-joints.

Almost anything can be fixed on the road depending on the knowledge and perseverance of the person stranded.

 

the u-joints are loose, is that the problem, and how hard is that to fix

 

That's probably the problem. Is it the axle shaft u-joints or the driveshaft u-joints?

A driveshaft u-joint is pretty easy to change. An axle shaft u-joint is also easy to change, but hard to get to. I have a 97, so I don't know about the 05's, but if you don't need 4wd, you should be able to get home/somewhere without changing it. You generally need a press or good vice, although I've heard of people banging them out with a hammer. If you can't change the u-joint itself on your own, you could just take the shaft to a shop and have them press out the old and in the new u-joint.

...I had my front driveshaft out and one of the u-joints out to match for a replacement. Total reassembly took about 20 minutes to press in the joint and re-install the shaft.

 

I've changed "lots" and I only use a 4 pound lump hammer and 2 sockets, 3/4 and about 1 1/4. One socket to drive out the bearing race and the other to support the casting. Trick is to hit it hard and NOT tap, and don't forget to mark each piece so it stays in balance.

 

i dont remember if mine were plastic retainers.

a torch helps to remove the plastic. makes driving out the bearing caps ALOT easier