OEM 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Van Drive Shaft

2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Van Drive Shaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the Drive Shaft on 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Van?

  A: First, get the vehicle up at the axles as evenly as you can, so that both the wheels and the drive/propeller shaft can turn. Take out any external bearing snap rings from the universal joint if they are there, so that the inclinometer base rests flat. Spin the shaft until the transmission/transfer case output yoke bearing cap rests downward and then measure between the front and back of the shaft. Set the inclinometer on the yoke bearing cap or pinion flange ring along the shaft, adjust so the bubble is in the middle of the sight glass and take the reading to get the transmission or Output Yoke Angle. After that, turn the propeller shaft a quarter of a circle and put the inclinometer on the yoke bearing cap on top of the shaft, aiming it so the bubble is straight and note the reading to find out the angle of the shaft. Taking off the smaller angle from the larger one gives the output operating angle of the transmission. Then, turn the propeller shaft 90 degrees once more and set the bubble of the inclinometer on the pinion yoke bearing cap, making sure it points parallel with the shaft and center the bubble to read the angle of the pinion shaft or input yoke. Take away the smaller input angle value from the larger to find out the axle Input Operating Angle. Avoid operating angles of more than 1 degrees at U-joints, lower them to less than 3 degrees and have the operating position of the propeller shaft swing at least 1/2 of one degree.