I was wondering why Dodge made the front end on the '02 4x4's to where they are always locked. Granted it's better than the CAD, but with it always locked the front driveshaft always turns. I've been through 2 u-joints in the last year. I don't even use 4wd a lot. I really think they would have done a lot better if they had put manual locking hubs on it. Just wanted to see if anyone else had as much problems with this as I do. If I had the money, I would convert to manual hubs insetead of this stupid setup that it has now!

 

Well Eric, for one I have a driveshaft for you. For two, there is a reason they say to grease the front joint at least every oil change.

 

Yeah, I need to get that from you. The u-joint was a non greasable joint. But it still would be a lot less wear and tear if it wasn't locked all the time.

 

Yeah I agree. The factory joint did not have a greaser? I know the 3rd gen's do because it has a big sticker saying, grease joint at every oil change.

 

It may not have been the factory u-joint in the truck when I bought it. None of the joints I've replaced have had a greaser.

 

I'm on my 3rd front driveshaft.
(and hopefully last, now that everything has a zerk)


phox

 

I have 80K on mine, no grease fittings no problems.

 

240K miles, stock driveshaft from the factory, stock joints as well... through some grease at them all the time and you'll be fine.

 

You got the full time locked front end thanks to all the whiners who complained about having to get out to lock the hubs.
Apparently Dodge doesn't like grease fittings, more money in their pockets for parts. Get the regreasable u-joints in the future.

 

Dyna Track sells a conversion with lock out hubs and repackable berings but its $1600

 

I know, and it SUCKS! If people are too lazy to get out and lock the hubs, they have no buisness owning a 4wd!!

 

the only thing i haven't rebuilt on my truck so far is the front driveshaft...LOL

 

Hey hey hey. I like being to just reach down and pull it in. I hate getting out and getting all muddy because i got stuck and didnt have the foresight to lock in the hubs. It is just one of those things, i want strength but i also want ease. Guess I'm not having any cake.

 

EMS offroad sells a kit also and is a bit cheaper. When i need to replace my front bearings i will go this route.

 

That front design is very simple: no hubs to break or wear out. Fuel economy isn't an issue. It actually last longer when it turns all the time, the splines don't seasaw back and forth and wear out like the old trucks with lock out hubs did.
Your rear driveshaft turns all the time, does it wear out often?