Created on: 2016-05-04
Check out this video to see how you can replace the front drive shaft on your 02-08 Dodge Ram 1500.
1 Inch Hose Clamps
Torque Wrench
15mm Socket
Pry Bar
Ratchet
Wire Cutters
Marker / Writing Utensil
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In this video, we're going to show you how to remove and reinstall the front drive shaft on this 2008 Dodge Ram, pretty much the same for '02 to '08 Ram. You'll need a 15mm socket and ratchet, a pry bar, pliers, markers or other some type of device to mark the drive draft, crimp clamp or hose clamp, and a torque wrench.
Remove the four 15mm bolts securing the front drive shaft to the front differential. This can be accessed with the vehicle on the ground or you can raise and support your vehicle for more room. If your vehicle is locked in four-wheel drive, the front drive shaft won't turn. Otherwise, you'll need a pry bar to keep it from turning when you loosen the bolts. You can remove the bolts by hand, but if you have access to air tools that's the fastest way to do it. Also an impact gun may mean you don't need to support the drive turn from turning.
At the rear of the drive shaft, cut the dust boot clamp closest to the transfer case. You may have to pry out the clamp and twist in order to separate it. Drive shafts are balanced, so before removing you want to index it with a paint pen or Wite-Out to make sure it goes back on in the same place you took it off. You'll also have to index the rear of the drive shaft.
Remove the front of the drive shaft from the differential flange and let it hang to clear the front crossmember. Work the boot on the rear of the drive shaft so you can pull it off the splines. Send your drive shaft back over the front crossmember and exhaust. Be sure your indexing marks are aligned.
Your dust boot crimp clamp goes around the boot. Push it on so the teeth grab, crimp it down nice and tight. Just give your boot a little wiggle to make sure it's not coming off. If you don't have this style crimp clamp available, you can always use a screw-style radiator hose clamp.
Line up the index on your front drive flange, start your flange bolts. Tighten them down by hand or with power tools when available. Stop your drive shaft from moving with a pry bar. Torque to 85 foot pounds in a cross pattern.
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