Nathan Goehring
Junior Member
Alright guys, I thought it would be helpful to start a thread on this nightmare of a problem. For that are unfamiliar with this problem, let me fill you in. On the 2012+ 4x4 Rams, the cv axle slips off the c-clip that holds it to the differential shaft. When this happens, there is last contact and both the CV axle and differential shaft start to wear excessively causing the splines to wear down and cause wobble. Now if this happens on the driver's side, it's an easily replaceable part for about $50. Now the passenger side is a whole nother story. The shaft is not replaceable, and requires the entitle differential to be replaced. I have also seen cases where dirt and grime got in there and shoot it away as well.
I guess there's a machine shop up in Canada that machines the shaft and also sends new bearings and seals along with a dust seal to fix the problem. Now this is a great alternative to a new dif, but will still cost you over $600.
Now I've got an idea that I would like everyone's opinion on. I'm going to replace the CV axle so the splines will be good on that. On the dif shaft, the spline damage is only on the end of the shaft and that's where the wobble occurs. My idea is to drill and tap 4 opposing 5/16 set screws in the cv shaft as close to the end of the dif shaft as I can get. My thought are with the set screws is should be fairly easy to get it balanced on the shaft. Once balanced, remove each set screw on by one and place either red or blue Lock-tite and replace them. I am hoping this would take care of the wobble and eliminate the chance of it pulling out again. I've run my idea past 2 of my closest dealerships and they both thought it was a good idea since there is really nothing to loose. I've also thought about filling the cv end with JB cold weld before assembly to "fill" any voids but am not quite sure if I'll do that. I've got my cv axles and will be installing them soon. If any one has any ideas suggestions I'd love hear them. Hopefully together we can find a reasonable solution to this poorly designed problem
I guess there's a machine shop up in Canada that machines the shaft and also sends new bearings and seals along with a dust seal to fix the problem. Now this is a great alternative to a new dif, but will still cost you over $600.
Now I've got an idea that I would like everyone's opinion on. I'm going to replace the CV axle so the splines will be good on that. On the dif shaft, the spline damage is only on the end of the shaft and that's where the wobble occurs. My idea is to drill and tap 4 opposing 5/16 set screws in the cv shaft as close to the end of the dif shaft as I can get. My thought are with the set screws is should be fairly easy to get it balanced on the shaft. Once balanced, remove each set screw on by one and place either red or blue Lock-tite and replace them. I am hoping this would take care of the wobble and eliminate the chance of it pulling out again. I've run my idea past 2 of my closest dealerships and they both thought it was a good idea since there is really nothing to loose. I've also thought about filling the cv end with JB cold weld before assembly to "fill" any voids but am not quite sure if I'll do that. I've got my cv axles and will be installing them soon. If any one has any ideas suggestions I'd love hear them. Hopefully together we can find a reasonable solution to this poorly designed problem
