Subject: 2022 Ram 1500 DT — 6’4” Bed Two-Piece Driveshaft vs 5’7” Bed

[Ramtowski]

Hi everyone,

I have a quick question for those familiar with the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 (DT) trucks.

I currently own a 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie, Crew Cab, 6’4” bed, and my truck has a two-piece driveshaft with a carrier bearing in the middle.

I’m curious whether Crew Cab trucks with the 5’7” bed (short box) typically have:

• a one-piece driveshaft, or
• a two-piece driveshaft with a carrier bearing.

The reason I’m asking is that I’m experiencing a jerking/lurching sensation from a stop to initial acceleration, and I’m wondering if it could be related to the two-piece driveshaft and center carrier bearing. With the two-piece setup, there are more moving components, and I’m trying to determine whether this might be contributing to the issue.

I’ve never checked underneath a Crew Cab 5’7” bed truck to see whether those models use a single-piece driveshaft, so I’m hoping some owners here can confirm.

Specifically:

• Which Ram 1500 DT configurations have one-piece driveshafts?
• Do Crew Cab 5’7” bed trucks typically use one-piece or two-piece?
• Has anyone experienced jerking or lurching from a stop that turned out to be driveshaft or carrier-bearing related?

Any insight or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[skyhawk42]

My 2022 crew cab 6’4” bed had a one piece drive shaft. It was the 3.6l not sure if any of this matters for what you are looking for but figured I’d throw it out there

 

[Ramtowski]

This is interesting — my 6’4” bed has a two-piece driveshaft, while yours (also a 2022 with a 6’4” bed) has a one-piece driveshaft.

I’m wondering if this could possibly be related to COVID-era supply shortages or parts availability at the time of manufacturing. I’m not certain, but it seems plausible.

My thinking is that a two-piece driveshaft introduces more moving parts — specifically the carrier bearing and additional joints. Because of that, I’m wondering if what I’m feeling might be related to drivetrain slack.

Here’s what I’m experiencing:

• When I press the gas from a stop
• I feel a slight jerk or clunk
• Almost like everything is tightening up or taking up slack
• It happens in that fraction of a second before acceleration

I’m starting to suspect the center carrier bearing area where the two driveshaft sections connect might be the source.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Especially:

• 2022 Ram 1500
• Crew Cab
• 6’4” bed
• Two-piece driveshaft

I’d really like to dial this down and figure it out. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[UnloosedChewtoy]

I can take a look at my father's 2022 (6'4" bed with 5.7) next time I visit him, probably less than a week from now.

My 2025 Tungsten 1500 5'7" bed has a single piece driveshaft.
I know TRXs and RHOs, even though they are 5'7" beds, have two piece driveshafts. My 2023 TRX did. A lot of those guys look into buying aftermarket single piece driveshafts.

Here is a link to some options:

Ram 1500

Performance & Off-Road Parts for the 2009-2025 Ram 1500. Weather you are building a 4x4 truck or a slammed 2wd truck. We can help you from top to bottom!

797performance.com

 

[Ramtowski]

That’s interesting that a lot of guys seem to prefer a one-piece driveshaft over a two-piece setup. I’m curious what the main reasons are behind that preference. Is it mainly for reduced vibration, fewer moving parts, or overall durability?

It also got me thinking about what determines when Ram uses a two-piece driveshaft instead of a one-piece. For example, could it be related to having 3.92 gears, the tow package, or trailer steering? I’m wondering if those options require a two-piece drivesshaft due to higher drivesshaft speeds, load handling, or overall driveline geometry.

Does anyone know if the differential ratio (like 3.92) or tow package plays a role in whether the truck gets a one-piece versus two-piece driveshaft?

Just trying to better understand the reasoning behind the different setups. Appreciate any insight

 

[Rock Crawler]

Does anyone know if the differential ratio (like 3.92) or tow package plays a role in whether the truck gets a one-piece versus two-piece driveshaft?

Could be that, or a combination of options.

Mine:
2022 Laramie
Hemi (non ET)
Crew Cab
6’ 4” Bed
3.92 Rear Axle Ratio
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
2WD
Trailer Tow Group
2 Piece Drive Shaft

 

[Ramtowski]

Interesting — thanks for the info.

So first off, I wasn’t even aware some of these configs were coming in 2WD with that setup. That clears up part of the question.

What I’m really trying to understand is the driveline behavior with the two-piece shaft. On light throttle takeoff from a stop, do any of you notice a slight hesitation or “take-up” before the truck actually starts moving smoothly?

It almost feels like a very brief slack being taken up — whether that’s in the slip yoke, carrier bearing, or somewhere in the driveline.

It’s more like a half-second delay and then engagement when you ease into the throttle slowly.

Just wondering if anyone with the same setup on a RAM Trucks has experienced this, or if yours is completely smooth off the line with no noticeable play.

Appreciate any feedback.

 

[BowDown]

My 20 limited had a 2 piece drive shaft
5.7 Bed
5.7 HEMI
2WD
Crew cab
3.21 limited slip

It's actually a 3 piece drive shaft, there the front section ahead of the carrier bearing then the rear section which is 2 pieces with the tail end having a slip joint that slides in and out of the front of the rear section