99 ram 1500 u joint passenger side front axle

Hey guys, going to change out axle U joints on my 99 RAM 1500, DANA 44 axle I know the drivers side is a straight pull, no issuses, but on the passenger side do I need to have the vaccum shift 4x4 ingaged on the front axle so I don't lose the alignment with the fork/collar when re-inserting the axle shaft, or is it a "straight forward" pull like the drivers side not having to engage 4 wheel drive?...any help appreciated

Mike

I believe it is like the older trucks that had pass side diff. I would start it and activate the 4 wheel drive just prior to pulling the shaft out.

Mike:

Nope, you should be fine in 2wd, that's how I've done mine.

Putting the axles back in: Very carefully! Soak the tip and shoulders of the axle stub in gear oil or grease. Guide it in there without touching the axle tube (near impossible, I know). I slid a narrow, clean strip of metal into the bottom of the tube to protect the axle from picking up dirt. If it all goes well that axle seal won't leak for you when you go for your first drive.

Much joy to be had if that seal decides to leak: you got a 50/50 chance of having to pull it all apart again, getting a special tool for the seal and needing two people to put the new one in.

I put greaseable U-joints in mine, Mike and then that way I never have to worry about pulling this horse's-ass, straight-axle-crap apart again. You have to put the needle type zerk in because a normal zerk will not clear the knuckle.

I've had mine apart too many times to have any love for a straight-axle truck. Mechanic's steady wage these stupid things.

Bet you're excited now!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Dan, I know it required on the DANA 60 3/4/-1 ton Rams, otherwise you then have to open up the access cover on the axle to re-align everything

Thanks Wayne,...yes it's a joy working on the 94 and up RAMS, esp pulling the wheel hubs, thanks for the tips, much appreciated

Mike

There is actually a third axle piece that goes from the fork collar to the center section and that keeps things in line. The passenger side will slide in and out .I changed my pass side even though it didn't need it, thinking I was doing good. I opened a can of worms. The next day there was axle lube coming out the axle tube.I messed the seal up .The seal is inside the pumpkin.Then you have to dissasemble the pumpkin completly to replace the seal. I would recommend greesable joints and regularly greese the drivers side where the torque beats them up.They will last a whole lot longer.I used to have to change mine every year ,but no more.

They also make a joint with the zerk in the center of the main body.Just install that type with the zerk facing towards the axle. Then when you greese it,turn the wheel far right and move truck forward untill you can get to the greese fitting.Then you can easily greese it.If you remember right where the tire is in its rotation you can get it right the first time without moving the truck every time you greese it.

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Mike:

Nope, you should be fine in 2wd, that's how I've done mine.

Putting the axles back in: Very carefully! Soak the tip and shoulders of the axle stub in gear oil or grease. Guide it in there without touching the axle tube (near impossible, I know). I slid a narrow, clean strip of metal into the bottom of the tube to protect the axle from picking up dirt. If it all goes well that axle seal won't leak for you when you go for your first drive.

Much joy to be had if that seal decides to leak: you got a 50/50 chance of having to pull it all apart again, getting a special tool for the seal and needing two people to put the new one in.

I put greaseable U-joints in mine, Mike and then that way I never have to worry about pulling this horse's-ass, straight-axle-crap apart again. You have to put the needle type zerk in because a normal zerk will not clear the knuckle.

I've had mine apart too many times to have any love for a straight-axle truck. Mechanic's steady wage these stupid things.

Bet you're excited now!!!!!!!!!

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What is the special tool ? I have to do the seal on the passenger side on my 2000 2500 ? I had pulled the axle on it before when the bearing went and I don't remember it being a pain to get it back in? I'll be pulling it apart again to do the ball joints and the u joint this time ,