Ram Bump

[Eds34pc]

I brought my truck to the dealer yesterday for wind noise inside as well as the bump/clunk when coming to a stop. The wind noise is apparently mirror gaskets(dealer ordered parts).
The service advisors response when I described the clunk was that there is “slap” in the driveshaft and it is “normal”. I explained that the truck has 34k, and at 14k I had the same issue and a different dealer updated the software, and the clunk was gone for almost 20k.
When I picked up the truck, I was told there were no codes, all software is up to date, and basically it’s normal.
What was an intermittent clunk before I dropped it at the dealer yesterday is now a clunk so noticeable at every stop, it feels like a car has hit from behind.
It took me 3 trips to the dealer at 14k for them to do anything, I hope this isn’t the same procedure.

 

[Livinalittle]

Service advisors are not mechanics...although sometimes they think they are. Their job is to book appointments, tag keys, put their little paper floor mats in, type a detailed description of the problems the customer is experiencing and be the middleman for the client and the tech. Basically a secretary.

They used to **** me off just about every day when I was a mechanic. Always telling the client the wrong things.

 

[Potatomafia]

My 2015 RCSB suffers from this as well. Sometimes its so bad that it literally feels like the truck gets rear ended. I have heard that a PCM flash or a new driveshaft or greasing the splines fixes this but I have not heard what is the definitive fix.

Its frustrating.

 

[Simpleman]

Its when the trans downshifts to first gear coming to a quick stop. Try stopping a little easier and see if that helps it worked for me and i believe it worked for others on the forum

 

[JayLeonard]

It took me 3 trips to the dealer to get mine fixed at 7 k miles. Even then it was the last appointment when the regional tech was there. They put in a new driveshaft and the bump went away.
Been 2 k miles since and still good.

 

[Potatomafia]

Since I am the second owner and the truck is a 2015, any cost for replacing parts (valve body, driveshaft or transmission) will unfortunately come out of my pocket. I have thought about just buying a new driveshaft. IIRC, the driveshaft for a 2wd RCSB is about $320. I don't trust any dealers in the local area to actually troubleshoot it correctly without racking up thousands of dollars in labor. I find it ridiculous that the driveshaft may be the cause on a truck with only 33k miles.

Has anybody ever replaced the driveshaft and NOT had it fix the issue?

 

[Wild one]

Since I am the second owner and the truck is a 2015, any cost for replacing parts (valve body, driveshaft or transmission) will unfortunately come out of my pocket. I have thought about just buying a new driveshaft. IIRC, the driveshaft for a 2wd RCSB is about $320. I don't trust any dealers in the local area to actually troubleshoot it correctly without racking up thousands of dollars in labor. I find it ridiculous that the driveshaft may be the cause on a truck with only 33k miles.

Has anybody ever replaced the driveshaft and NOT had it fix the issue?

Don't spend much time with your truck over 100 mph.The 2 wheel drive 3.92 geared rcsb 8 speed trucks are famous for blowing the driveshaft right out from under the truck,and have been known to actually break the transmission case at the same time.The regular cab shortbox 8 speed trucks have a very poorly designed driveshaft .Head over to High Performance Rams on facebook and track down I think Jason Duria,he's working hand in hand with an outfit to make a better driveshaft.DSS also makes an aftermarket shaft,but it to has it's share of problems.Facebook has more guys with regular cab shortbox 3.92 geared 8 speed trucks on it then there are on here to help you with your driveshaft issues.If you're not a member of facebook,it's well worth joining as you'll find way more guys with the same issues as you have on facebook.If not you're pretty well **** out of luck finding out any new information as far as driveshafts go,as the guys behind getting a better driveshaft into production don't come here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/930...00988252790&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic

https://www.facebook.com/groups/152...ed_to_group&notif_id=1479683479543351&qsefr=1

https://www.facebook.com/groups/527...d=1531443817609506&notif_t=group_r2j_approved

 

[Eds34pc]

The service advisor stated it was “Normal” when I dropped the truck off. When I picked it up he stated the tech drove it 8 miles and the transmission was functioning normal. I drive off and the bump is significantly worse than when I dropped it off.
If this is “Normal” FCA should put a section in the sales material and owners manual of things to expect shortly after you take possession.
There’s no way that this cannot be detrimental to the drivetrain, with the bump being so bad it feels like someone bumped you from behind.
I should have filed a lemon law complaint when it happened at 14k and it took me 3 visits to the dealer and Ramcares getting involved to get it fixed the 1st time.

 

[Potatomafia]

Don't spend much time with your truck over 100 mph.The 2 wheel drive 3.92 geared rcsb 8 speed trucks are famous for blowing the driveshaft right out front under the truck,and have been known to actually break the transmission case at the same time.The regular cab shortbox 8 speed trucks have a very poorly designed driveshaft .Head over to High Performance Rams on facebook and track down I think Jason Duria,he's working hand in hand with an outfit to make a better driveshaft.DSS also makes an aftermarket shaft,but it to has it's share of problems.Facebook has more guys with regular cab shortbox 3.92 geared 8 speed trucks on it then there are on here to help you with your driveshaft issues.If you're not a member of facebook,it's well worth joining as you'll find way more guys with the same issues as you have on facebook.If not you're pretty well **** out of luck finding out any new information as far as driveshafts go,as the guys behind getting a better driveshaft into production don't come here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/930...00988252790&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic

https://www.facebook.com/groups/152...ed_to_group&notif_id=1479683479543351&qsefr=1

https://www.facebook.com/groups/527...d=1531443817609506&notif_t=group_r2j_approved

Thanks Wild one. To be honest, a driveshaft failure was on my mind during the 8 hour drive to my sister's house in SC. I may of hit 90mph a few times passing traffic.

The 2010 RCSB 2wd, Hemi, 3.55 truck I had previously never suffered from this. Granted I bought it new off the dealer lot so I knew the history but I never had any sort of drive train related issues. Of course, that had the old 5 speed and probably a different driveshaft.

Buying an aftermarket drive shaft is something I have thought about as well. Its just not in the list of things to do yet. Maybe after lowering and suspension.

 

[jakearoo]

I took mine apart about 7k miles ago and lubed it with copper anti-seize and no bump stopping or taking off, mine was really bad until I did this...

 

[Eds34pc]

How ridiculous. Spending +/-$50k on a truck, and people are taking their driveshafts apart, putting in new drive shafts, or just getting use to the feeling that you were just hit from behind when coming to a stop.
The dealers say it’s normal, but it didn’t happen when it’s driven off the lot. If it’s normal, FCA should tell customers of the problem before they take the customers money. If the service advisor says it’s normal when I describe it, then there are more customers with the problem. Customers should demand FCA find a fix in short order. Maybe customers should start a class action.

 

[Wild one]

How ridiculous. Spending +/-$50k on a truck, and people are taking their driveshafts apart, putting in new drive shafts, or just getting use to the feeling that you were just hit from behind when coming to a stop.
The dealers say it’s normal, but it didn’t happen when it’s driven off the lot. If it’s normal, FCA should tell customers of the problem before they take the customers money. If the service advisor says it’s normal when I describe it, then there are more customers with the problem. Customers should demand FCA find a fix in short order. Maybe customers should start a class action.

I don't know what truck you have,whether it be a regular cab shortbox/QC/ CC etc.,but there for awhile if you broke the shaft on a regular cab shortbox 2 wheel drive 8 speed truck,you weren't getting a new driveshaft from the dealer as they were on nation wide back order,i'm not even sure if they are off back order yet.There's days I like my regular cab shortbox 4X4,it still uses a normal "old style steel " shaft with a splined slip yoke into the transfer case,and it's seen the high side of 140 mph several times,with one run up to 153mph before I chickened out,getting old,lol

 

[JayLeonard]

I took mine apart about 7k miles ago and lubed it with copper anti-seize and no bump stopping or taking off, mine was really bad until I did this...

Along those lines…..notice in my picture above how rusty the new driveshaft is? It was in my truck about 1 week when I took this picture.
It might be the rust that is/was locking up the driveshaft splines. I could see how grease or anti-seize would alleviate the issue.
I regret not asking to see the old driveshaft so I could see the actual problem.

 

[Railman17]

How ridiculous. Spending +/-$50k on a truck, and people are taking their driveshafts apart, putting in new drive shafts, or just getting use to the feeling that you were just hit from behind when coming to a stop.
The dealers say it’s normal, but it didn’t happen when it’s driven off the lot. If it’s normal, FCA should tell customers of the problem before they take the customers money. If the service advisor says it’s normal when I describe it, then there are more customers with the problem. Customers should demand FCA find a fix in short order. Maybe customers should start a class action.

 

[Railman17]

I have a 2017 limited 5.7 8 speed and 3.92 gear. I've had the issue since about 4000 miles (purchased new) and have been told the same dealer crap. Mine happens at almost every stop.... except when tow something heavy, or when it's cold (not very often in Fl.)
weird but true.
I would absolutely be in for a class action process against FCA. My concern is when I go to sell or trade it in, no one will accept ...it's normal, or there's problem. $50,000. truck with a major defect and FCA doesn't have a reasonable fix... unacceptable.

 

[Railman17]

I have a 2017 limited 5.7 8 speed and 3.92 gear. I've had the issue since about 4000 miles (purchased new) and have been told the same dealer crap. Mine happens at almost every stop.... except when tow something heavy, or when it's cold (not very often in Fl.)
weird but true.
I would absolutely be in for a class action process against FCA. My concern is when I go to sell or trade it in, no one will accept ...it's normal, or there's problem. $50,000. truck with a major defect and FCA doesn't have a reasonable fix... unacceptable.

 

[RamCares]

I have a 2017 limited 5.7 8 speed and 3.92 gear. I've had the issue since about 4000 miles (purchased new) and have been told the same dealer crap. Mine happens at almost every stop.... except when tow something heavy, or when it's cold (not very often in Fl.)
weird but true.
I would absolutely be in for a class action process against FCA. My concern is when I go to sell or trade it in, no one will accept ...it's normal, or there's problem. $50,000. truck with a major defect and FCA doesn't have a reasonable fix... unacceptable.

Hi @Railman17 - I regret to hear of your situation. Just had a chance to respond to your PM on this!

Mark
RamCares

 

[hemi-ram2]

I had same issue with my 2018 CC 2wd hemi,from new they gave me crap until I personally pulled it off and took pics for proof of wear and then they sent tech for ride with me and ordered complete driveshaft from trans to rear even carrier. It had 25,000 when they finally fixed it. It was like a new truck,before I dreaded every time I had to stop or take off. I have 31,000 now and still good. Thanks

 

[hemi-ram2]

It took new management at my dealer to repair mine. But I tried the hole dropping it and lube with the C5A anti seize and it did not work. I also was told they can tell by VIN number if truck was built with the bad batch of driveshafts, and supposedly mine was too close for comfort so they replaced. Thanks

 

[AndyK00]

Im in a 2016 Rebel 5.7 Hemi, Zf hp70 8 speed tranny with 3.92ratio and I'm having the same issues like you all since the beginning.

Have been going and still in and out of different dealers service dept. without any success... I am already on the second tranny and every time been going thru reprogram, relearn and valve body etc... but even after reading many forum on this blog and suggesting to the dealers the driveshaft replacement they never wanted to do it.... and just a few days ago one of the service advisors told me they got a letter from fca saying that the dealer doesn't have to do anything on all the trucks with this issue until Fca find any "permanent" solution..... Ps. before the letter they wanted to do another tranny replacement.....

What do you guys suggest? hang on to it or get rid of the truck?

@RamCares any advice/suggestion? since Fca does not seem to care about their customers.

Completely agree with @Railman17 This situation is unacceptable, is the Driveshaft replacement a definitive solution or just a temporary solution? Why is Fca not embracing it???