Shudder/vibration at low speed turning or backing

[Travelin Ram]

I've only recently found out (from another thread here) that there was a change in the LSD type for the HD Rams in 2019. Through 2018 they were helical gear type which AFAIK does not require an additive.

In 2019 they switched to clutch type apparently. Which normally do require friction modifier.

So the requirements for these should differ if the above is correct.

Does not apply to Power Wagons which continue to use the a combo helix / locker.

 

[Mountaineer83]

I wasnt aware of any change myself. Makes sense if that is the case.

 

[Firetruck41]

When my shop that installed my gear did my break-in oil change it went away. Then it cam back some time afterward and as you mentioned, gets worse with the 5th wheel weight added to the truck.

I am towing again this weekend and I am tempted to add the friction modifier and see if it helps. I called my shop but they are on vacation this week and are closed.

The rear diff is not a clutch type LSD on the 4th gen 2500, so I don't see how it could help.

 

[68PowerWagon]

Looked up to 2019 manual. Everything has been addressed in it. If severe duty or towing, change the gear oil every 20k miles. It also mentions shuddering or vibration may be felt when turning on concrete or hard surfaces. It also says to add friction modifier now for limited slip axles.

View attachment 213726 View attachment 213727 View attachment 213728

Now I am gonna pull my manual out to see if it mentions the shudder when turning on concrete. It doesn't really bug me that much but I would like to know if something is wrong in there. So far as you said since my oil change I haven't noticed it doing it.but it sounds like that might all change down the road here. I will be pulling the beast this weekend as well so it will be interesting to see if it does it under load now.

 

[Mountaineer83]

Let us know if you have any shuddering this weekend. I haven't done anything to mine yet. I wasnt aware that the LSD unit was changed to a clutch type rear. I just assumed they were the same as ours since it wasnt a complete redesign.

 

[68PowerWagon]

Took the camper a total of about 250mi. this weekend & so far no shudder with the new oil. I put in Amsoil Severe Gear. I will keep an eye on it to see if it returns like yours did Mountaineer.

 

[Down To Detour]

I'm trying to diagnose my truck as well, 2011 3500. I haul my 5er across country and have the same shudder at take off when attempting to turn. It only happens when the truck has gotten up to operating temperature. I explained this to a diesel shop in TN and they said it was a sign of the 68rfe going and recommended a tranny replacement. He was talking about the torque converter and slippage but same as you Mountaineer, when driving straight there is no issue, only when the wheels are turned. The more extreme the turn the more shudder exists. Putting just that together, I don't think a new transmission is what I need but simply the nature of the LSD per what I've read? I'm all for a new RevMax tranny but if this is expected operation I'm not gonna drop the time and money. My total rig weight is 20k+ I'm not a gearhead but I understand most things. How should I proceed to diagnose?

 

[Mountaineer83]

I'm trying to diagnose my truck as well, 2011 3500. I haul my 5er across country and have the same shudder at take off when attempting to turn. It only happens when the truck has gotten up to operating temperature. I explained this to a diesel shop in TN and they said it was a sign of the 68rfe going and recommended a tranny replacement. He was talking about the torque converter and slippage but same as you Mountaineer, when driving straight there is no issue, only when the wheels are turned. The more extreme the turn the more shudder exists. Putting just that together, I don't think a new transmission is what I need but simply the nature of the LSD per what I've read? I'm all for a new RevMax tranny but if this is expected operation I'm not gonna drop the time and money. My total rig weight is 20k+ I'm not a gearhead but I understand most things. How should I proceed to diagnose?

I'm going to get in touch with the guy who put my gears in and see what he says. I dont believe it is anything transmission related at all. If so it would be slipping while shifting properly, etc. It is something in the rear of my truck as I hear it when turning at slow speeds with the windows down. I will let you know if I talk to my shop and what he says. Mine was horrible this weekend while towing.

 

[Down To Detour]

I'm going to get in touch with the guy who put my gears in and see what he says. I dont believe it is anything transmission related at all. If so it would be slipping while shifting properly, etc. It is something in the rear of my truck as I hear it when turning at slow speeds with the windows down. I will let you know if I talk to my shop and what he says. Mine was horrible this weekend while towing.

Thank you, I'll have some time in a couple months to take it into a shop, but I'll do like you and have my wife drive it while I stand outside to see if I can pinpoint the source.

 

[Mountaineer83]

So I spoke with the mechanic that installed my gears. He said I can try the friction modifier, but he didnt think I'd notice a difference. Instead, he mentioned Amsoil Severe Duty as 68PowerWagon used. He says it is the best he has seen and would be his reccomended route.

It will be a while however before I can change over to Amsoil as I had to replace the RV tires unexpectedly after a blowout this weekend.

 

[COAinPaso]

Had this problem/situation happen on my last two pickups, a 14 6.7 and an 18 6.4. Both with amsoil severe gear. Shuddering in both trucks. Added friction modifier in both instances and the shudder/noise/vibration was gone. My manuals also said none was needed...

 

[Mountaineer83]

That is interesting. It's cheaper than an oil change at this point. I may give it a go. I know from a mechanic standpoint it seems it shouldn't work, but it seems to in real world applications.

 

[Mountaineer83]

So, on a whim added a tube of friction modifier to the rear today. Had to pick up the 5th wheel from the dealer (ac went out, then blew a tire - been some week!).

Not a sound, vibration, or shudder today towing it back home. I will be towing our dump trailer tomorrow with a load on it as well, so I will see if it still stays quiet.

I cant say why it worked, but as others have stated, it seems it did.

 

[gsfitzsr]

I had the same issue with my 2018. I had the ring and pinion changed around 17K miles because of noise and soon after that the axle would lock up when taking off after backing down my driveway. I changed out the oil and went with higher viscosity non-synthetic 85-120 or something like that, and it never made another sound. I will never use the stock Mopar oils again. An AAM axle shop near me told me to use the heavier weight oil and to stay away from the synthetic blends. I've got 42K miles on the truck now and the rear end is quiet like new.

 

[Down To Detour]

So I spoke with the mechanic that installed my gears. He said I can try the friction modifier, but he didnt think I'd notice a difference. Instead, he mentioned Amsoil Severe Duty as 68PowerWagon used. He says it is the best he has seen and would be his reccomended route.

It will be a while however before I can change over to Amsoil as I had to replace the RV tires unexpectedly after a blowout this weekend.

Ouch, I'll ask about the friction modifier for myself when the time comes. Thanks!

 

[Down To Detour]

Ouch, I'll ask about the friction modifier for myself when the time comes. Thanks!

Just an update, I had my truck serviced with some new diff fluid and the shudder is gone. Mechanic tells me it was never serviced since the factory...

 

[Bldrinker]

Well guys. My truck has 9500 miles total with 500 being on my new 4:88’s.

when turning I get a shutter from the rear end. Only slow tight turns. So is the additive that we shouldn’t need the answer?

 

[Hydraplane]

Would it damage anything to try? That's what the dealership did to "fix" my stock 2018..

 

[Bldrinker]

Anybody else fix the issue?

 

[RamCares]

Anybody else fix the issue?

I apologize for the trouble, @Bldrinker. If this is something you decide to address with your Ram dealer, we would be more than willing to escalate a case on your behalf to a specialist for further support through that process. Please do not hesitate to follow up with us via private message with any additional questions.

Mark
RamCares