Three problems related to suspension have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Noticed a high pitched whine coming from the rear of the vehicle about 30-40 seconds before the rear axle assembly locked up. Traveling on a secondary to a city street slowing to 30 mph. Axle assembly locked up at 45 mph causing a skid that was controlled. Axle housing split, drive shaft detached, gear lube drained out and tires are severely flat spotted. Skid length was 115 ft.
The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the shaft and gear inadvertently detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
Vehicle pulls pulls to the right as if out of alignment.