Shop now for Parts, Tools, and Shop Manuals specific to 2003-2013.5 Dodge Ram 2500 and 2003-2012 Ram 3500 Front Constant Velocity Driveshafts. We stock a complete line of Double Cardan front CV driveshaft parts for 2003 to 2013.5 RAM 2500 and 2003-2012 RAM 3500 4x4 trucks. These Dodge/RAM 4x4s use a Double-Cardan Constant Velocity (CV) Joint at the transfer case end, and a conventional single Carden universal joint with a flange yoke and axle end for the Front Driveshaft's. While the basic configuration of the shafts is the same for all years, the actual components used will vary depending upon the year and engine/transmission combination. Early production shafts (2003-2004.5) have a 1330 series CV head (u-joint cup diameter of 1-1/16"). From 2004.5 through 2009 both 1350 and 1355 series CV joints featuring 1-3/16" u-joint cups were used. The 1350 and 1355 CV heads are almost identical, differing only in a slight (0.003") difference of the "official" u-joint widths. 1355 U-joints are found on 2004-2009 Shafts with Type 1 Slip Joints. 1350 series u-joints are used in 2006-2009 Shafts with Type 2 Slip Joints and 2010-2013.5 shafts. For Ram 2500 models, the 1350 series shafts were phased out by 1410 series shafts during the 2013 model year. For Ram 3500 models the last model year 1350 series front CV shafts were used was 2012.
Dan the Gear Man® Tech Note: The Tech Term "Cardan" refers to a conventional cross type universal joint. A Double-Cardan CV joint is a constant velocity joint that has two Cardan type universal joints as component parts. For more information on this subject, see TSB3500 Universal Joint History, Types, General Service Methods, and Inspection or TM3000 Driveshaft Service Manual.
Several companies have supplied Dodge with CV parts and shaft assemblies so you have to identify your specific components before ordering the correct replacements. The CV Centering Ball and Socket between the two universal joints were not greaseable on early production trucks; however, during the 2005 model year, a flush type grease fitting was added to the Ball Stud Tube Yoke and the constant velocity u-joint size was increased. While not easy to access in the vehicle, it is possible to lubricate the CV Ball and Socket on those 2005 and newer shafts, which will greatly extend the life of your driveshaft.