Help: Leaking front axle and lurching on snow in 4High

[Arya]

2021 2500 6.7L with 77k miles

Two main concerns:
- First, the front axle is leaking slightly (see pics) at this “box”, anyone know what it is? Doesn’t seem to be leaking much as I haven’t seen any puddles beneath the truck but it’s noticeable. Is it a cause for concern?

- Second, when in 4 High and on very snowy roads, the truck lurches heavily when turning more than about 25% in any direction, is this common? I’m new to solid front axles and understand the front/rear diffs bind when steering, causing a lurch, but I expected that to happen only on dry pavement. I’m getting the jumping/jerking/lurching in snowy icy parking lots.

Thanks in advance!

 

[vincentw56]

2021 2500 6.7L with 77k miles

Two main concerns:
- First, the front axle is leaking slightly (see pics) at this “box”, anyone know what it is? Doesn’t seem to be leaking much as I haven’t seen any puddles beneath the truck but it’s noticeable. Is it a cause for concern?

- Second, when in 4 High and on very snowy roads, the truck lurches heavily when turning more than about 25% in any direction, is this common? I’m new to solid front axles and understand the front/rear diffs bind when steering, causing a lurch, but I expected that to happen only on dry pavement. I’m getting the jumping/jerking/lurching in snowy icy parking lots.

Thanks in advance!

You might have better luck in the Homepage - HD Rams forum. This is the 5th Gen 1500 Rams site.

On your second question, yes, that's common because of the way 4WD works.