Issues already with 5k miles...

[Sherman Bird]

I understood the binding issue in 4x4 but equated snow with easily spinning tires, which isn't really the case with a 900# plow.

After a little digging, this hopping issue is common with the solid axles and Ujoints. I think my Jeep was smooth because it had a full time 4x4 setting also so it may have allowed some slippage from the tc. My 1500 and the Silverados are smooth because of the CV's. I guess I'll have to be careful turning and understand that this is a normal characteristic.

I generally try to turn the wheels while moving as it feels easier on the steering.

Thanks for the feedback.

"TC"?

 

[Matt ott]

If you want to plow snow buy a tractor.. Adjusting a wheel bearing is simple, adjusting hood again simple....

 

[NH RAM]

"TC"?

Transfer case

 

[NH RAM]

If you want to plow snow buy a tractor.. Adjusting a wheel bearing is simple, adjusting hood again simple....

I'm not sure if you're trying to be a smart___ or not, so I'm not going to make an assumption. I have no need for another piece of equipment, so spending money on a tractor wouldn't work for me, as much as I'd like one. I'm a first responder, so if I'm called in or my wife (cardiac catheter lab nurse and on-call emergency cath lab nurse) is called into work after our scheduled hours, we need a fast exit. Lives quite literally depend on it. A tractor wouldn't provide that. I also put a salt spreader / sander in the bed of my truck since my winding, hilly 600' driveway tends to ice over rather easily and I was going through too many bags of ice melt and buckets of sand. Lastly, I, like a large number of folks plow snow to make some extra money, which is not going to happen with a tractor.

As for adjusting wheel bearings, aren't they preset on these trucks? The truck has 5,000 miles, I figured that it's warrantied, so I'll let the techs sort it out nonetheless.

I know adjusting the hood is easy, I did it on my 2016 Ram. The reason I had the dealer check was because there is a TSB on the 1500's for the same issue and it required adding urethane to the inner hood panel. I wanted to be sure that I didn't need a similar remedy.

 

[NH RAM]

To accommodate the crown in the road, wouldn't the wheel be pointed right?

Sorry, should have clarified, I have it turned slightly left to maintain straight. Yes, on it's own, the wheel would want to drift right. No issues on flat areas, which almost don't exist.

 

[RoadRamblerNJ]

After reading all posts, I think a subtle but important detail got missed early on. That is, steering turned all the way to "locked" position vs turning only part way to lock.
I don't think everybody is on the same page here. Maybe I'm wrong.

My '17 2500 binds when turned to lock. Learned that very early on in snow in North Jersey. I just don't turn the wheel that far any more. This is in 4WD Low. In 4WD High, it only happens on pavement, again, at lock position.

 

[Jetact]

I just took my 3500 in because at 11,444 miles both upper ball joints had some play. I rotated my tires at our shop and we could all feel the play in the upper ball joints and at that low of miles I would expect zero play. I was told by the sealer that they were within tolerance. If at this low mileage they have play already then what will they be at 50,000 ? Thats BS to me there shouldn't be any play as far as I am concerned. I will just put a new set on myself that is greaseable.