2019 Ram 1500 Limited - Front Diff Assembly Replacement

[gali]

Hi All, new member here but have been a lurker for a bit.

I have a 2019 Ram 1500 limited (new gen) with about 70,000 miles on it, almost exclusively highway with very little towing. No accidents, nothing suspicious.

I had what I feel is an odd repair take place recently for a car with not too many miles or years on it that is basically babied.
To be transparent, I have the Maxcare which covered the repair so I approved it without asking too much into it but heres what unfolded below.

I went in for an oil change and during the inspection they sent me an estimate for the below:

Axles / Driveshaft: (Requires immediate attention) - FOUND RF AXLE TO HAVE EXCESSIVE PLAY ON IT , DUE TO THE PLAY , SPLINES ARE WORN ON THE FRONT DIFF , RECOMMEND REPLACING FRONT DIFF ASSEMBLY AND RF AXLE

Today I picked it up after several weeks of waiting for parts and was written up:

"FOUND RF AXLE TO HAVE EXESSIVE PLAY ON IT. DUE TO THE PLAY SPLINES ARE WORN ON THE FRONT DIFF. RECOMMEND REPLACING FRONT DIFF ASSEMBLY AND RF AXLE REMOVED BOTH LEFT FRONT AXLE, FOUD RIGHT SIDE AXLE TO BE SIZED TO THE FRONT DIFF, REMOVED AND REPLACED FRONT DIFF, REASSMELBED VEHICLE, INSTALLED NEW RF AXLE.

Is this a normal repair for this young of a car. The bill without maxcare was $4k. I would definntely go to an indy shop, but this gives me some fear about keeping this car out of warratny. I have a 2015 wk2 overland that has been relatively bulletproof, knock on wood, with alot more miles and age.

 

[JF19Longhorn]

Unfortunately yes.. it's a non greased, non sealed spline between the differential output shaft and the CV-axle. They wear out.. mine is just about gone at 64k miles.

Planning on buying the Dorman replacement kit and not sure what brand CV Axle, instead of the whole assembly from RAM, and doing it myself. Probably be less than $700 in parts.

 

[cblayloc]

Unfortunately yes.. it's a non greased, non sealed spline between the differential output shaft and the CV-axle. They wear out.. mine is just about gone at 64k miles.

Planning on buying the Dorman replacement kit and not sure what brand CV Axle, instead of the whole assembly from RAM, and doing it myself. Probably be less than $700 in parts.

Why is it not greased or sealed? When you replace it, can you grease it to extend life or is it not designed that way. Can you send me a link for the Dorman Kit?

 

[JF19Longhorn]

Why is it not greased or sealed? When you replace it, can you grease it to extend life or is it not designed that way. Can you send me a link for the Dorman Kit?

It's designed that way, I did grease the new parts, and it's a poor design. Some companies make kits to put a boot over the spline, but I did not find them until after I had done the job.

I got all the parts off RockAuto and it was not a fun job. The CV Axle shaft did not want to separate from the passenger stub shaft at that poorly designed joint..

 

[firecadet613]

Hi All, new member here but have been a lurker for a bit.

I have a 2019 Ram 1500 limited (new gen) with about 70,000 miles on it, almost exclusively highway with very little towing. No accidents, nothing suspicious.

I had what I feel is an odd repair take place recently for a car with not too many miles or years on it that is basically babied.
To be transparent, I have the Maxcare which covered the repair so I approved it without asking too much into it but heres what unfolded below.

I went in for an oil change and during the inspection they sent me an estimate for the below:

Axles / Driveshaft: (Requires immediate attention) - FOUND RF AXLE TO HAVE EXCESSIVE PLAY ON IT , DUE TO THE PLAY , SPLINES ARE WORN ON THE FRONT DIFF , RECOMMEND REPLACING FRONT DIFF ASSEMBLY AND RF AXLE

Today I picked it up after several weeks of waiting for parts and was written up:

"FOUND RF AXLE TO HAVE EXESSIVE PLAY ON IT. DUE TO THE PLAY SPLINES ARE WORN ON THE FRONT DIFF. RECOMMEND REPLACING FRONT DIFF ASSEMBLY AND RF AXLE REMOVED BOTH LEFT FRONT AXLE, FOUD RIGHT SIDE AXLE TO BE SIZED TO THE FRONT DIFF, REMOVED AND REPLACED FRONT DIFF, REASSMELBED VEHICLE, INSTALLED NEW RF AXLE.

Is this a normal repair for this young of a car. The bill without maxcare was $4k. I would definntely go to an indy shop, but this gives me some fear about keeping this car out of warratny. I have a 2015 wk2 overland that has been relatively bulletproof, knock on wood, with alot more miles and age.

Any reason they kept it for weeks while you waited on parts? It doesn't sound like you knew it was needing to be replaced before you took it in for the oil change?

 

[ThatAirRideThough]

It's designed that way, I did grease the new parts, and it's a poor design. Some companies make kits to put a boot over the spline, but I did not find them until after I had done the job.

I got all the parts off RockAuto and it was not a fun job. The CV Axle shaft did not want to separate from the passenger stub shaft at that poorly designed joint..

Do you remember where you found the companies that have the kids to put a boot over the splines? If so, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

 

[JF19Longhorn]

Google search had a few.. here's an example I just searched.

Dodge Ram 1500 Axle shaft Trans-Tech Industries Inc

Dodge Ram 1500 axle shaft, repairs the stripping of the splines causing them to seize in the CV Axle. Components not available from dealer

transtechca.com

 

[ThatAirRideThough]

Awesome, thank you! I’ll try searching again, maybe I was using the wrong search terms!

 

[Willwork4truck]

Ouch, even with Maxcare.
Are the 23's the same?